White tree patterns stretched endlessly through the black void, but the white path beneath my feet came to an abrupt halt.
"There's no time left."
I urged, but the Heavenly Soul brushed me aside and shook his head.
"What does that even mean?"
The Heavenly Soul shook his head helplessly, then turned and continued walking. I hurried after him.
Ahead lay endless darkness. Worry clouded the Heavenly Soul's face. What did he mean by saying that Lord Shenyan's instinct shouldn't be awakened?
I had no idea what was happening outside, but I had to hurry.
"You were talking about Lord Shenyan's instinct just now, right? What exactly is it?"
I asked, but the Heavenly Soul shook his head.
"I don't know. But I can feel it—whatever it is, it shouldn't be awakened. It's dangerous."
Gradually, I felt a wave of warmth approaching. The Heavenly Soul stopped.
"We're here."
I swallowed hard as I gazed at the softly glowing yellow object before me. Its light was gentle, and the warmth it emitted was deeply comforting.
"Is this Lord Shenyan's instinct?"
The Heavenly Soul nodded, then turned to look at me with a grave expression.
"He already senses you."
A whisper echoed in my mind, pleading for help. There was no malice in the voice, and instantly, I felt an overwhelming urge to help its owner.
"Choose, Ethan Zhang. This choice will be critical for what comes next, because no one truly knows..."
The Heavenly Soul pointed at the glowing orb ahead and continued speaking.
"No one can predict what will be unleashed, or what consequences it will bring."
Without a trace of hesitation, I stepped forward, lifting my hand. The Heavenly Soul pressed it down—his touch cold and resolute, as if warning me of the consequences.
Let me say this one last time: in my opinion, even if this thing is a force for good, it shouldn't be awakened.
But right now, Lord Shenyan needs it.
As I spoke, the Heavenly Soul's form grew indistinct, his eyes brimming with silent resignation. He dissolved into a wisp of white smoke and vanished, leaving the air heavy with loss.
My fingers brushed the yellow orb. Its once tranquil glow turned restless, pulsing erratically. I could sense its desperate yearning to be set free, its energy trembling beneath my touch.
Instinct... coexistence...
With a boom, the yellow light before me burst forth, dazzlingly bright. I shut my eyes as a wave of warmth surged through my mind.
A single drip echoed. I snapped my eyes open—before me stretched a turquoise lake, its surface alive with ripples. I swallowed hard; this was a void, blue above and below, and I stood alone atop the water, suspended in silence.
My reflection shimmered on the lake. I stepped forward, but the water remained undisturbed. Silence enveloped the world, broken only by ripples ahead, circling outward. A voice in my mind beckoned me onward, its tone both urgent and haunting.
I reached the rippling source and extended my hand. A wisp of blue energy rose, swirling upward, and two golden eyes emerged from the haze. Slowly, a figure materialized, its presence both strange and mesmerizing.
The entity before me was a blue silhouette, clad in a tight suit and masked. Blue flames flickered upward from its form, arms folded, feet together—a silent guardian in an alien world.
Thank you.
He spoke simply, just three words. I smiled and shook my head.
A gurgle echoed through the silence, and the lake's surface shimmered with a vision—scenes from the outside world flickered into view. I stared in disbelief, eyes wide with dread.
Though I'd lingered here for ages, outside, time seemed only now to stir. Lord Shenyan straightened, a streak of red energy—Kuai's power—flaring across him. He looked gaunt, barely able to hold the ghost soul's reins.
Interesting.
Xu Fu, gripping Zhanlu, shot forward with a sharp gust. Chains clanked violently; Kuai's emblem on Lord Shenyan's chest twisted, its mouth gaping wide as it spat a torrent of flame.
Flames erupted. Xu Fu retreated, raising Zhanlu to face the surging fire. He swiftly swung the sword, weaving blue light together, instantly slicing the flames into several pieces.
What should I do?
I asked immediately. The blue figure beside me nodded.