My whole body was drenched in sweat. Anxiety made me tremble uncontrollably, my breathing rapid. I tried to establish a connection with the Vermilion Bird, but the spirit residing within me showed no sign of responding.
All around John Chou, in every direction—above, below, left, right—there were only stones, and in the gaps, clusters of crackling purple lightning. John Chou had nowhere left to retreat; he was utterly trapped, with no way out.
"Vermilion Bird, I beg you. I have to do something—help me."
I kept pleading, torn inside. Meanwhile, Old Moe raised the Phoenix Blade high, silently chanting something. All around, the pillars bearing the Four Sacred Beasts roared in unison.
With a sudden sound, water surged from the ground like a fountain. In the blink of an eye, the water within the Fourfold Beast Array rose like a small reservoir, flooding up to John Chou's feet.
At that moment, the purple lightning spheres began to release streaks of purple lightning, connecting with the water. Instantly, bubbles started to rise, and then, like boiling water, countless bubbles gurgled up from below.
Dense steam billowed up, forming a thick white mist. Then I noticed the surrounding stones began to change—their surfaces turned greenish, cracking open. From within, green plants like vines sprouted, spreading in all directions.
"Impressive, Martin Lane. In just a few years, you’ve grown this powerful. Tell me, what is your instinct?"
John Chou spoke, and I stared in astonishment. Old Moe seemed to have finished all his preparations. I watched, amazed, as Old Moe crouched down, preparing to dive—he possessed an instinct.
This was the most shocking thing I’d heard so far. For the first time—aside from the Ghost Sovereign—I was seeing someone with an instinct.
"Ethan Zhang."
At that moment, the voice of the Vermilion Bird echoed inside me.
"Help me. You must have a way, right? To enter that Fourfold Beast Array."
"Indeed, I do have a way. I can let you enter the Fourfold Beast Array. But then what?"
My heart skipped a beat. It was true—what would entering accomplish? I was no match for Old Moe.
"Martin Lane is a true powerhouse, Ethan Zhang. As you are now, you can't defeat him."
I clenched my fists, watching as Old Moe’s entire body was engulfed in flames, streaks of violet lightning crackling around the fiery shell.
"I have to go in. I must."
I clenched my fists and walked forward, reaching out my hand, though that familiar fear still lingered.
"Is that so, Ethan Zhang? You’re determined to go in. Very well, I’ll help you. Use your instincts wisely. Once you’re inside—though this Fourfold Beast Array is under Martin Lane’s control—the Four Sacred Beasts have always been humanity’s guardians. If you don’t want them to harm you, you must speak earnestly with them first."