Xie Dongyi's Mindscape was a surreal realm, filled with a vast expanse of pure white that stretched out as far as the eye could see in every direction. The void had no visible boundaries or edges, and it seemed to go on endlessly, a seemingly infinite space that defied the laws of time and space. The only sounds that could be heard were a faint, almost imperceptible hum that echoed throughout the empty expanse, like the gentle murmur of a hidden river flowing through an underground cavern.
In the middle of this vast, empty Mindscape were two individuals: one lying face up with most of his body submerged in the white void, and the other standing upright in front of him. The figure lying down was Xie Dongyi, an androgynous boy with a delicate, ethereal beauty. His body was almost completely covered in a thin layer of shimmering liquid that seemed to glow with a soft, pale light. The light emanated from Xie Dongyi's skull, where it swirled and danced in an otherworldly display, a mesmerizing ballet of colors and patterns that seemed to defy the laws of nature.
The figure standing before Xie Dongyi was Lü Bu, a tall, muscular man with a fierce gaze and an imposing presence. He wore a set of black armor that was decorated with gold and silver filigree, and a red cape hung from his broad shoulders, billowing gently in a non-existent wind. Lü Bu's face was set in a stern expression as he looked down at Xie Dongyi, his eyes widening in shock and his body breaking out into a cold sweat as he realized that Xie Dongyi's memories were being transferred to his mind.
As Lü Bu gazed at Xie Dongyi, he began to chant a strange, guttural language that seemed to reverberate throughout the Mindscape, causing the very fabric of the void to ripple and shift like the surface of a disturbed pond. Spiritual Qi swirled around him, coalescing into sheets of translucent pages that began to float all around him. The pages were filled with intricate, detailed drawings that depicted life, all of which were Xie Dongyi's memories.
Some pages showed Xie Dongyi's childhood, filled with laughter and innocence, while others displayed his moments of heartache and sorrow. There were pages that revealed his dreams and aspirations, and others that contained the secrets of his heart. As Lü Bu looked upon these memories, he felt a mixture of admiration and sadness, realizing the depth of the life that he was about to absorb.
Lü Bu suddenly stopped chanting as he saw all of Xie Dongyi's memories floating all around him in the form of pages. He reached out with his hand and plucked one of the pages out of the air, studying it closely. "Looks like you lived quite the life, didn't you?" he said, his voice filled with a hint of genuine respect. "But now that I have your body, I will accomplish your dreams as a form of compensation for taking your body."
As Lü Bu spoke, he placed his hand on Xie Dongyi's body, and the shimmering liquid began to dissolve into the white void. Xie Dongyi's body disappeared, leaving only the memories behind, floating in the Mindscape like leaves on the wind. Lü Bu looked around at the endless expanse of white, his mind racing with possibilities as he realized that he had been given a second chance at life, a rare opportunity to live again.
With a newfound sense of determination and purpose, Lü Bu vowed to honor Xie Dongyi's memories and carry on his legacy. He would use the time he had been given to right the wrongs of his past and strive for greatness, not just for himself, but for the memory of the boy whose life he now shared. As the pages of Xie Dongyi's memories swirled around him, Lü Bu absorbed them one by one, integrating the experiences, emotions, and knowledge they contained into his own consciousness.
With each memory that merged with his being, Lü Bu felt a growing connection to Xie Dongyi, his thoughts and feelings intertwining with those of the boy he had viewed as nothing more than a vessel. He began to understand the hopes and dreams that had driven Xie Dongyi, the love and pain that had shaped his life, and the lessons he had learned along the way.
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[ Black Lotus Cult - Bamboo Forest ]
Deep within the bamboo forest, the dense foliage cast dappled shadows upon the earth below. Moonlight danced through the swaying leaves, creating a mesmerizing pattern of light and dark that seemed to mirror the ever-changing emotions of the world. The occasional rustle of bamboo stalks could be heard in the gentle breeze, a soft, soothing melody that whispered through the night. It was a peaceful and serene environment, one that seemed almost too pure for the dark and ominous events that were unfolding.
Amidst the tranquil surroundings, an androgynous boy suddenly let out a blood-curdling scream, his hands clasped tightly over his head in agony. His lithe form writhed and convulsed as though possessed, his eyes rolling back into his skull as pain tore through his body like a thousand knives. The sight was a stark contrast to the otherwise serene environment, a chilling reminder of the darkness that could lurk beneath even the most beautiful facades.
Lü Bu snatched up a nearby daggwr and examined himself in its reflection, pinching his cheeks to ensure that he wasn't dreaming. He marveled at the strange turn of events that had led him to this point, occupying the body of Xie Dongyi and being granted a second chance at life. "Looks like the heavens have smiled upon me and given me a second chance," he muttered to himself, his voice low and gravelly. "Let's see if these caretakers can offer any assistance."
As he surveyed his surroundings, Lü Bu noted the traces of technique within his new body, leading him to conclude that this place was likely a low-grade or a mid-grade sect. The system of recruitment made him wonder if it might be a demonic sect, though he knew he would need to gather more information before he could make a definitive judgment.
The air around them was thick with the scent of moss and earth, and the sound of rustling leaves filled their ears. The light of the bamboo leaves illuminated their path, casting an ethereal glow that made everything seem otherworldly, as though they were walking through the realm of spirits.
Lü Bu stumbled through the mystical bamboo forest, his breath coming in short gasps as he tried to keep moving. Every step felt like a trial, his body wracked with pain from the injuries Xie Dongyi had sustained. As he walked, spiritual energy coursed through his veins, healing away the most serious internal injuries and giving him the strength to carry on.
Suddenly, Lü Bu stopped in his tracks, his eyes drawn to something lying in the middle of the pathway ahead. He could see that it was a pool of blood, the dark liquid glistening in the moonlight, with pieces of flesh and viscera scattered around it in a gruesome display.
Lü Bu knelt down beside the pool of blood, his fingers tracing the contours of the torn flesh. For a moment, he rummaged through Xie Dongyi's memories, trying to piece together the events that had led to this horrific scene. As the memories coalesced in his mind, he began to understand the ruthlessness and savagery of the opponent that Xie Dongyi had faced.
And then, Lü Bu spoke, his voice low and gravelly, tinged with a hint of sadness. "Your opponent didn't care about morality or decency. They did whatever it took to win, using every means at their disposal to ensure their victory. But you, Xie Dongyi, weren't as ruthless, and your unwillingness to compromise your principles was ultimately your downfall."
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The weight of these questions compelled me to seek help, and I knew that only one person could provide the answers I sought – Kunlan.
With a sense of urgency, I took off from the ditch in the forest, my heart pounding as I made my way towards the lab where I hoped to find some clarity.
...
[ Alexander's Lab ]
As I buttoned down my shirt, my fingers brushed against the intricate solar cross that adorned my chest. The circular patterns that covered it seemed to shimmer in the dimly lit room, reflecting the flickering light from the candles scattered throughout the space. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves, and used my saber to prick my finger, letting the droplet of blood fall onto the symbol.
My mind raced with questions, all of which seemed to lead back to the mysterious crystal that I had stolen from Xie Dongyi. Why did it appear around his neck? What was the meaning behind the sea of faces that had appeared before me? I desperately needed answers, and I was certain that the only being who could provide them was Kunlan.
Suddenly, a burning sensation erupted on my chest, and reality itself seemed to fold in on itself as Kunlan appeared before me, holding a plate of cake in his hands. His face wore a mischievous smirk, and I couldn't help but wonder what kind of game he was playing.
"Why did you summon me?" he asked, his tone casual.
"Kunlan, I..." I began, but he cut me off.
"Save it. I'll only talk once you eat my cake," he said, shoving a slice into my mouth before I could protest.
As I chewed, my mind raced with questions. Why was Kunlan always so cryptic? And why did he always have to be so damn unpredictable? I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves, and waited for him to speak.
A few seconds later, he looked at me expectantly. "Well?"
"Kunlan, I'm going to war," I said, my voice low.
Kunlan's expression shifted to one of confusion. "Over what?"
"Your cooking," I said, my tone serious.
"I couldn't have been that bad. I know I should have added cloves," he said, rubbing the back of his head.
"Easy does it," I said with a smirk. "Wouldn't want to ruin a disaster."
Kunlan rolled his eyes at my comment, but then his expression turned serious. "Invalid criticism aside, what do you want?"
I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts before continuing. "Kunlan, I encountered something... strange, something I've never seen before. Xie Dongyi, who was supposedly dead, has risen again. And there's this crystal with unknown properties. I need your help in understanding what's happening and how it's all connected."