Chapter 10: The Ritual of Sacrifice
Lin Feng and the guardian stood before the pulsating orb, tension crackling in the air as they prepared for the ritual. The shadows had been defeated for now, but he could feel their lingering presence, waiting for an opportunity to strike.
"Alright, how do we do this?" Lin Feng asked, glancing at the guardian.
"First, we need to create a circle of energy around the orb. Then, we'll channel our life force into it," the guardian explained, his eyes scanning the chamber for a suitable spot. "Just remember: don't pass out on me!"
System: "No fainting, Host! I can't revive you if you go full drama queen!"
"Thanks for the vote of confidence," Lin Feng muttered, rolling his eyes.
The guardian began drawing intricate symbols on the ground, his fingers glowing with energy as he worked quickly. Lin Feng joined him, mirroring the motions and trying to keep his own nervousness at bay. The air hummed with power, and the orb responded, its light pulsing rhythmically.
"Now, when we finish the circle, we'll both need to stand in it and channel our energies together. Are you ready?" the guardian asked.
"Ready as I'll ever be," Lin Feng replied, feeling a mix of determination and fear.
"Alright, on three!" the guardian called out, finishing the last symbol. "One… two… three!"
They stepped into the circle, feeling the energy resonate around them. Lin Feng could sense the orb's power intertwining with his own, and it felt both exhilarating and terrifying.
"Focus on the orb, and imagine your energy flowing into it," the guardian instructed, his expression serious.
Lin Feng closed his eyes, centering himself as he visualized his life force merging with the orb's glow. He felt a warmth spreading through him, but it was quickly overshadowed by a deep chill creeping in from the shadows.
System: "Ooh, I'm getting goosebumps! This is so dramatic! Are we sure we're not filming a horror movie?"
"Not the time!" Lin Feng shouted, trying to keep his focus.
The guardian's voice cut through the noise. "Keep channeling! We have to push through!"
As they poured their energies into the orb, Lin Feng felt a strange connection to it—a tugging sensation as if it were calling to him. He could sense its history, the power it contained, and the tragic tales of those who had come before him.
"Just a little more!" the guardian urged, his brow furrowing with effort.
Lin Feng's heart raced as he pushed deeper into the connection. He could feel the orb's energy responding, vibrating with life. But he also sensed a dark undertow—a warning from the spirits that lingered.
"Think happy thoughts! Like puppies and kittens!" System suggested cheerfully.
"Why is that your go-to suggestion?" Lin Feng grunted, sweat pouring down his face.
"Because they always make me smile!" System replied, unfazed. "Just picture a fluffy kitten! Now, isn't that better?"
The corner of Lin Feng's mouth twitched. "Fine. Fluffy kittens."
With a final surge of energy, Lin Feng and the guardian focused all their power into the orb. The room erupted with blinding light as the energy coalesced, and Lin Feng felt himself being pulled into a vast expanse of color and light.
"Whoa! What a ride!" System exclaimed, as if they were on a rollercoaster. "I'm ready for the next loop!"
Lin Feng's vision blurred, and suddenly he was standing in the chamber again, panting heavily. The orb glowed brightly, its energy stabilizing. The shadows had retreated, hissing and swirling at the edges of the chamber.
"Did it work?" Lin Feng asked, looking around.
The guardian nodded, his expression a mixture of relief and exhaustion. "Yes. For now, the orb is contained. But we have to keep our guard up. It will attract more spirits."
Lin Feng took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart. "So… now what?"
"Now, we prepare for the inevitable fight. The orb has created a beacon, and those who seek its power will come," the guardian said, his voice steady.
System: "Ooh, sounds like a showdown! Maybe we'll get some popcorn?"
"Popcorn? Seriously?" Lin Feng replied incredulously.
"Hey, a good battle deserves a snack! It's practically a rule!" System insisted.
As Lin Feng and the guardian began to set up defenses, Lin Feng felt a mix of anxiety and excitement. He had fought against bounty hunters and strange cultivators, but this felt different—he was preparing for a battle for something powerful, something that could change his fate.
"Just stick together and watch each other's backs," the guardian advised. "We'll need every ounce of strength."
"Got it," Lin Feng replied, feeling the weight of the situation settle on him. "Let's do this."
As they finished their preparations, the air grew still, and a sense of foreboding enveloped the chamber. They exchanged a determined look, knowing that whatever was coming next, they would face it together.
System: "And if all else fails, we can always run and scream! Classic move!"
Lin Feng chuckled despite the tension. "I'll keep that in mind."
With that, they braced themselves, ready to confront whatever darkness awaited them.