A year had passed since Aurelius awakened his soul. In his room, he sat cross-legged, his eyes closed, methodically absorbing soul energy from the air. The room was dimly lit by the soft glow of a single lantern, casting long shadows on the walls adorned with ancient symbols and runes. The atmosphere was serene, almost sacred, as Aurelius focused on refining his soul body according to the Nether Soul Refining Technique.
The process was meticulous. He visualized the soul energy flowing into him, merging with his essence, and gradually refining his soul. Each breath he took synchronized with the flow of energy, creating a rhythmic dance of inhalation and exhalation that guided the refining process. The Nether Soul Refining Technique required absolute focus and precision, transforming the chaotic soul particles into a coherent, solid form.
After several minutes of deep meditation, Aurelius slowly opened his eyes and sighed. He felt the subtle changes within him, but progress was painfully slow. "Even though the process is good," he mused, "I've heard it will take a long time to complete the refining of the soul. Most cultivators aim to reach 80% refinement before moving to the next stage. They progress as much as they can and then enter the second stage of cultivation."
With a thoughtful expression, Aurelius tapped his watch to initiate a scan of his soul body. The watch, a marvel of underworld technology, displayed a holographic interface. A soft, blue light emitted from it, enveloping his body in a gentle glow as it scanned his soul's current state. The scan revealed the level of refinement achieved over the past year.
The display on the watch read: " Soul Purity: 12%, Soul Body Refinement: 5%."
Aurelius frowned slightly. "After a year of diligent refining, my soul body refinement is only at 5%." He knew that without additional resources, such as special soul-refining pills or advanced techniques, his progress would continue to be slow.
Aurelius opened the merit point app on his watch, a sleek device that glowed softly as it activated. The app's interface was intuitive, displaying various sections for tracking merit points, expenditures, and recent transactions. Aurelius navigated to the expenditure section, which provided a detailed breakdown of his spending and current merit point balance.
The screen displayed the following:
- After Resident Registration : 499 merit points
- Gained from Herb Searching : +10 merit points
- Nether Cultivation Techniques : -50 merit points
- Soul Awakening Pills : -15 merit points
- Soul Awakening : -100 merit points
- Herbs for One Year : -50 merit points
- Remaining Balance : 294 merit points
Aurelius studied the numbers, a frown creasing his forehead. "Only 294 merit points left," he mused aloud. "It seems it's time to head to the Mission Hall to complete tasks and earn more merit points."
Determined to replenish his dwindling reserves, he stood up and made his way to the door. The streets of Chile Town were bustling as usual, a vibrant mix of different races and cultures. The air buzzed with activity, the hum of conversations blending with the clamor of merchants peddling their wares.
As he walked, Aurelius couldn't help but notice the diverse array of beings that called Chile Town home. Demons and devils, alongside other mystical creatures, moved with purpose, each adorned with their own unique attire and accessories. Many wore watches similar to his, a testament to the town's advanced technology.
Following the GPS on his watch, Aurelius navigated through the crowded streets, passing various shops and stalls selling everything from exotic foods to rare artifacts. The scents of spiced meats and fragrant flowers filled the air, creating an intoxicating blend that was both foreign and fascinating.
After a brisk fifteen-minute walk, he arrived at the Mission Hall. The building was grand, with towering pillars and an intricately carved facade that depicted scenes of heroic deeds and legendary battles. The entrance was flanked by two statues of fierce-looking guardians, their eyes seemingly following every passerby.
Inside, the hall was a hive of activity. Beings from all walks of life were gathered, each eager to register for missions and earn their own merit points. The interior was spacious, with high ceilings and walls lined with murals that told the history of the underworld. A large digital screen dominated one wall, displaying a constantly updating list of available missions.
Aurelius approached the screen, taking note of the various tasks listed. Each mission had a detailed description, along with a barcode that participants could scan to accept the task. The room buzzed with a cacophony of voices, a blend of languages and dialects, as beings discussed strategies and formed teams.
He scanned a few missions, contemplating his choices. The more dangerous missions offered higher rewards, but they also came with increased risks. He knew he needed to balance caution with ambition to maximize his merit point earnings without jeopardizing his safety.
As Aurelius was about to select a mission from the large digital screen, he was approached by a group of four people. They seemed to be in their mid-twenties, their expressions a mix of determination and camaraderie. The group consisted of three men—Sam, Rana, and Tony—and one woman, Zara.
Sam, a tall and muscular man with short, cropped hair and a confident demeanor, was the first to speak. "Hey there! You're new around here, right? I'm Sam. What are you up to?"
Aurelius turned to face them, noting the genuine curiosity in their eyes. "Hi, I'm Aurelius. Yes, I'm new. I was just about to select a mission. I need to earn some merit points."
Rana, a lean man with a sharp gaze and quick reflexes, nodded. "We all do. What kind of mission are you looking for?"
"I need something that pays well," Aurelius replied. "I'm running low on merit points and need to continue my cultivation."
Tony, a friendly-looking guy with a broad smile and a relaxed attitude, chuckled. "Don't we all. Merit points are hard to come by, especially the high-paying missions."
Zara, the only woman in the group, had an air of quiet strength about her. She had long, dark hair tied back in a ponytail and eyes that seemed to see right through you. "We were just discussing a mission ourselves," she said. "It's a bit risky, but the rewards are significant."
Aurelius raised an eyebrow. "What kind of mission?"
"It's a herb gathering mission," Sam explained. "But not just any herbs. We're talking about rare herbs found only in the inner mountain region. It's dangerous, with powerful beasts that can even kill cultivators."
Aurelius hesitated. The inner mountain region was notorious for its perils. "That sounds risky," he said, voicing his concern.
"It is," Rana agreed. "But that's why it pays so well. We're looking for an extra hand, and you seem capable. What do you say?"
Zara stepped closer, her eyes softening. "We understand if you're hesitant. But the more people we have, the better our chances. And you need the merit points, right?"
Aurelius thought for a moment, weighing his options. The need for merit points was dire, and this mission, despite its risks, could provide a substantial boost to his balance. "Alright," he finally said. "I'll join you."
Tony clapped him on the back. "Great! Welcome to the team."
The group spent the next few minutes finalizing their plans and gathering the necessary equipment. They provided Aurelius with a detailed map of the inner mountain region, highlighting the areas where the rare herbs could be found and marking potential danger zones.
As they prepared to leave, Zara handed Aurelius a small vial. "This is a healing potion," she said. "Just in case you get injured. It's potent, so use it sparingly."
"Thanks," Aurelius replied, appreciating the gesture. He secured the vial in his pouch and adjusted his gear.
The journey to the inner mountain region was arduous, the terrain becoming increasingly rugged and treacherous as they progressed. The group moved cautiously, constantly on alert for any signs of danger. The air grew colder, and the dense forest canopy above cast eerie shadows on the ground.
After several hours of hiking, they reached the edge of the inner mountain region. The landscape here was starkly different, with jagged rocks and steep cliffs. The atmosphere was charged with an almost tangible sense of foreboding.
Sam took the lead, his sharp eyes scanning the area. "Stay close and stay quiet," he instructed. "The beasts here are attracted to noise and movement."
They navigated through the rocky terrain, their senses heightened. Every rustle of leaves and crack of twigs put them on edge. After a while, they found the first patch of rare herbs, their distinctive blue glow making them easy to identify.
As they began collecting the herbs, a low growl resonated through the air. Aurelius's heart pounded in his chest as he looked around, trying to pinpoint the source of the sound.
"It's a Shadow Lynx," Zara whispered urgently. "Stay calm and prepare to defend yourselves."
The Shadow Lynx emerged from the shadows, its sleek, dark form almost blending into the surroundings. Its eyes glowed with a predatory light as it assessed the intruders in its territory.
The group formed a defensive circle, weapons at the ready. The tension was palpable as they waited for the creature to make its move. Suddenly, the lynx pounced, moving with incredible speed and agility.
"Stay alert," Sam warned, drawing his sword. The blade shimmered with an ethereal light, a testament to his mastery of the Seven Emotions Technique. Each emotion—joy, anger, sorrow, fear, love, hate, and desire—imbued his strikes with unique power.
Tony, with his imposing frame, moved to the front, his hands glowing with the earthy energy of his Earth Soul Technique. "I've got the defense," he said, his voice steady. He slammed his hands into the ground, causing a wall of stone to rise up in front of them.
Zara, the spell caster, stepped back slightly, her eyes narrowing as she began to channel the fire elemental energy. Flames danced at her fingertips, ready to be unleashed.
Aurelius, feeling the weight of his inexperience, stayed near the back. He knew his refined soul body wouldn't contribute much to the fight, but he couldn't let his new friends down.
The Shadow Lynx emerged from the shadows, its sleek, dark form moving with deadly grace. Its eyes, glowing a sinister green, locked onto the group. With a feral snarl, it charged.
Sam met the beast head-on, his sword slicing through the air with precision. "Joyful Strike!" he shouted, his blade emitting a radiant burst as it connected with the Lynx, forcing it back. The beast roared in pain, but it quickly recovered, its eyes burning with fury.
Tony reinforced the stone wall, creating barriers to trap and hinder the Lynx's movements. "Earth Bind!" he bellowed, causing the ground to ripple and ensnare the beast's legs.
Zara raised her hands, chanting a spell. "Inferno Wave!" A torrent of flames surged from her palms, engulfing the Lynx in a searing blaze. The beast shrieked, the fire singeing its fur and scorching its skin.
Despite their combined efforts, the Shadow Lynx was relentless. It fought with savage ferocity, breaking free from the earth binds and leaping over the stone walls with terrifying agility. In the chaos, it spotted an opportunity—a weak link.
With a snarl, the Lynx evaded Tony's defenses and Zara's flames, its eyes locking onto Aurelius. It lunged at him, claws extended and teeth bared.
Aurelius's heart pounded in his chest as he saw the beast coming for him. He tried to brace himself, but he knew he wasn't strong enough to fend off such a powerful creature. Fear gripped him as the Shadow Lynx closed in.
"NO!" Zara screamed, her eyes blazing with determination. She thrust her hands forward, conjuring a fiery barrier just as the Lynx was about to strike. "Fire Shield!" The flames erupted between Aurelius and the beast, halting its attack momentarily.
Sam seized the opportunity. Channeling his emotions, he infused his sword with the energy of hatred—a powerful and destructive force. "Hateful Strike!" he roared, his blade glowing with a dark, malevolent aura.
With a swift, decisive motion, Sam slashed through the flames and struck the Shadow Lynx. The force of the blow was immense, cleaving through the beast's hide and striking deep into its heart. The Lynx let out a final, agonized howl before collapsing to the ground, lifeless.
The clearing fell silent, the tension dissipating as the threat was vanquished. Tony lowered his earth barriers, and Zara let the flames die down. Aurelius, still shaken, took a moment to catch his breath.
"Are you okay?" Zara asked, her voice gentle as she approached him.
Aurelius nodded, grateful but feeling a pang of guilt for being the weak link. "Thank you. You saved me."
Sam wiped his blade clean and sheathed it, his expression serious. "We work as a team. No one gets left behind."
Tony clapped a reassuring hand on Aurelius's shoulder. "You'll get stronger. We all started somewhere."
Aurelius managed a smile, appreciating their support. "I promise I'll do better."
After the fight with the Shadow Lynx, the group continued deeper into the forest. The dense foliage and eerie silence wrapped around them like a shroud. They decided to stay in the region for a week, collecting herbs and exploring the mysterious depths.
As the days passed, Aurelius couldn't shake off a growing unease. On the fifteenth day of the month, the forest was unusually quiet, devoid of any visitors. That evening, the four of them gathered around their campfire.
"We should split up to cover more ground tomorrow," Sam suggested, his tone too casual.
Aurelius nodded, his mind racing. He had been grateful to them for saving his life, but now, he was starting to piece together a disturbing picture. Over the past week, he had noticed several unsettling details.
---
One Week Earlier
Aurelius sat alone, thinking. "Why are they so interested in my soul cultivation progress?" he wondered. He remembered Tony's offhand comment about how powerful souls could boost one's own cultivation.
Sam had been too eager to share his Seven Emotions Technique, almost as if he wanted Aurelius to rely on it. "It's odd," Aurelius muttered, "Sam's never been this generous with his knowledge before."
Zara, usually cheerful, had grown distant, watching him with an unsettling intensity. Her spells, always controlled, seemed to flare dangerously close to him during practice.
Aurelius made excuses to gather herbs alone. Under the pretense of seeking rare plants, he slipped a few drops of a squeezed herb liquid into their food. "Just a precaution," he told himself, knowing it might weaken them.
---
Present Day
Aurelius watched his companions through the flickering flames. "Something's not right," he thought, his suspicion solidifying into certainty.
Sam leaned closer, his eyes gleaming in the firelight. "Aurelius, you seem distracted. Everything okay?"
Aurelius forced a smile. "Just tired, I guess. This forest is getting to me."
Zara exchanged a glance with Tony, her eyes narrowing. "You know, today is the fifteenth. It's said that this forest becomes haunted tonight," she said, her voice dripping with false concern.
Aurelius's heart pounded. "Haunted or not, we should be careful. Let's make sure we're prepared."
As the conversation continued, the three of them subtly maneuvered, trying to position themselves closer to Aurelius. The air grew thick with tension.
Suddenly, Aurelius felt a sharp pain, his body weakening. He fell to his knees, gasping. "As I suspected," he murmured, looking up at them with a mix of betrayal and pain.
Sam smirked, his sword glinting ominously. "You were always too trusting, Aurelius."
Tony and Zara stepped forward, their eyes cold. "Your soul will make us powerful," Tony said, his voice devoid of emotion.
But as they closed in, they faltered. Their bodies began to weaken, the poison taking effect. Aurelius had underestimated their strength. They used their acupuncture points to suppress the poison, but it wasn't enough.
"You think this will stop us?" Zara sneered, forcing herself to stand. "You're still too weak."
Aurelius struggled to rise, his vision blurring. Just as Sam raised his sword to strike, an old man appeared, his eyes glowing with a strange light.
"My, my, what do we have here?" the old man said, his voice dripping with disdain. "Soul devourers, I thought such techniques were forbidden by the King of Hell."
Sam, Tony, and Zara's eyes widened in fear. "You must be members of the Abyss Organization, only the members of the organisation cultivate to become soul devourers" the old man continued.
With a single step, the old man destroyed their acupuncture points. With a second step, he shattered their soul bodies. The three screamed as their soul energy was released, guided by the will of the underworld directly into reincarnation.
"Be good people in your next life," the old man said quietly.
He turned to Aurelius, who lay on the ground, heavily injured. "He needs healing," the old man murmured. He released a surge of soul energy, rapidly healing Aurelius's wounds and mending the cracks in his soul.
As Aurelius's pain faded, he looked up at the old man with gratitude. "Thank you," he whispered.
The old man nodded. "Rest now. The path ahead is still long."
He lifted Aurelius gently, carrying him away from the cursed forest. Aurelius closed his eyes, feeling a strange sense of peace despite the horrors of the night. He had survived, and with the old man's help, he would become stronger. The shadows of betrayal had been cast away, and a new chapter in his journey was about to begin.