The soft hum of the Netherworld Pavilion system resonated in Li Zhen's mind as he walked through the moonlit streets of Xian. He carried the first relic in a satchel at his side, its gentle warmth a constant reminder of the battle in the Moonlight Cavern. His steps were measured but purposeful as he made his way back to the Moonshadow Haven, his thoughts already occupied with the next stage of his task.
"Keeper," the system's voice interrupted his musings, "the hotel's centroid has stabilized temporarily with the integration of the first relic. However, its condition remains precarious. The second relic must be retrieved within 30 days to prevent further disruption."
Li Zhen frowned. "Where is the second relic?"
The system hesitated for a moment before responding. "The second relic is located within the Crimson Blossom Temple, an abandoned monastery in the Sichuan mountains. The temple is surrounded by an ancient spiritual formation, and only those proficient in deciphering such techniques can gain entry."
Li Zhen sighed. Spiritual formations were complex and unpredictable, and he lacked the expertise to navigate them alone. "Do you have a lead on where I might find someone who can help with this?"
"Affirmative. There is a formation expert named Master Yan who resides in Chengdu. His expertise in ancient arrays is unparalleled, and he is known to have a history with your advisor, Elder Shu."
Li Zhen nodded, adjusting his satchel. "Then Chengdu it is."
A Quiet Arrival
When Li Zhen finally stepped through the gates of the Moonshadow Haven, dawn was breaking, painting the horizon in hues of gold and crimson. The hotel stood as a silent sentinel, its ethereal beauty stark against the waking world. Inside, spirits stirred faintly, their whispers a background hum to the ever-present spiritual energy that thrummed through the halls.
Elder Shu was waiting for him in the courtyard, his expression one of quiet relief. "You've returned." His eyes flicked to the satchel. "And you've succeeded in retrieving the first relic. Well done."
Li Zhen handed him the satchel. "The system says the next relic is in the Crimson Blossom Temple. But it's protected by a spiritual formation, and I'll need someone skilled to get through it. Do you know Master Yan?"
Elder Shu's brows furrowed at the mention of the name. "I know him well. Master Yan is a recluse, but his knowledge of formations is unmatched. However, convincing him to assist you may be a challenge. He is… eccentric and holds little interest in worldly matters."
"Eccentric or not," Li Zhen said firmly, "he's our best option. I'll go to Chengdu and find him."
Elder Shu placed a hand on Li Zhen's shoulder. "Before you go, take these." He handed over a bundle containing talismans and a small jade vial. "The talismans will protect you from spiritual disruptions, and the elixir in the vial will restore your energy in case of emergencies. Use them wisely."
Li Zhen accepted the bundle with a nod of gratitude. "Thank you, Elder Shu. I won't fail."
The Road to Chengdu
The journey to Chengdu was uneventful but long. Li Zhen traveled by train, the modern technology a stark contrast to the ancient and mystical tasks that consumed his life. As the countryside rolled past, he found himself reflecting on how the spiritual and mortal worlds coexisted.
"Keeper," the system's voice broke the silence, "this relic will test not only your ability to navigate formations but also your understanding of spiritual balance. The Crimson Blossom Temple is known for its volatile energy. Be prepared for resistance."
Li Zhen closed his eyes and leaned back in his seat. "I'm always prepared for resistance. What I need is clarity on how to deal with this Master Yan."
"Master Yan is known to value sincerity and proof of determination. Approach him with humility, and you may earn his favor."
Meeting Master Yan
Chengdu greeted Li Zhen with its lively streets and fragrant air. The city was a blend of ancient traditions and modern progress, much like Xian, but with its own unique charm. Following the system's guidance, Li Zhen made his way to the outskirts, where Master Yan's modest estate was hidden behind a grove of bamboo.
The gate to the estate was unassuming, marked only by a single wooden plaque bearing the character for "formation" (阵). Li Zhen knocked once, twice, then waited.
The gate creaked open, revealing an elderly man with a sharp gaze and a long white beard. He wore simple robes, and his presence exuded an air of quiet authority.
"You must be Li Zhen," the man said, his tone neither welcoming nor hostile. "Shu has told me about you."
Li Zhen bowed respectfully. "Master Yan, I've come seeking your guidance. I need to breach the formation surrounding the Crimson Blossom Temple to retrieve a relic crucial to stabilizing my hotel."
Master Yan stroked his beard thoughtfully. "The Crimson Blossom Temple… a place of great spiritual turbulence. Why should I assist you in venturing there? What do you offer in return for my time and expertise?"
Li Zhen hesitated before speaking, choosing his words carefully. "The Moonshadow Haven serves as a sanctuary for lost souls, providing them a chance to resolve their grievances and move on. Stabilizing the hotel's centroid is not just for my benefit but for the spirits who depend on its balance. I ask for your help not for myself but for them."
Master Yan studied him for a long moment before nodding slowly. "Your sincerity is evident. I will assist you, but be warned—the Crimson Blossom Temple is not a place to tread lightly. Its formation is a test in itself, and failure could mean death."
Journey to the Crimson Blossom Temple
Master Yan's presence proved invaluable as they made their way to the temple. He moved with surprising agility for his age, his knowledge of the terrain and spiritual barriers making the journey smoother than Li Zhen had anticipated.
As they approached the temple, the atmosphere grew heavier, the air thick with an oppressive energy. The temple itself was a crumbling structure of weathered stone, its once grand facade now covered in vines and moss.
"This is it," Master Yan said, his voice low. "The formation protecting the temple is a Labyrinth Array, designed to confuse and trap intruders. It shifts constantly, and only by understanding its core principles can we navigate it safely."
He placed a hand on Li Zhen's shoulder. "You must trust me completely. Do not deviate from my instructions, no matter what illusions you may see."
Li Zhen nodded, his grip tightening on his blade. "Understood."
Entering the Labyrinth
The moment they stepped into the temple grounds, the world seemed to shift. The path ahead twisted and blurred, the surroundings morphing into an endless maze of identical corridors and doors.
Master Yan moved with precision, tracing symbols in the air and murmuring incantations under his breath. The array reacted to his actions, paths opening and closing in response.
Li Zhen stayed close, his senses on high alert. He could feel the formation's energy probing him, testing his resolve. At one point, a shadowy figure appeared in the distance, its form resembling his late father.
"Li Zhen…" the figure called, its voice achingly familiar.
Li Zhen froze, his heart pounding.
"Keep moving!" Master Yan barked, snapping him out of the trance. "It's an illusion designed to lure you away. Ignore it."
Swallowing hard, Li Zhen forced himself to look away, following Master Yan deeper into the maze.
Reaching the Core
After what felt like hours, they arrived at the core of the formation—a circular chamber with intricate patterns etched into the floor. At the center stood a pedestal holding the second relic: a glowing orb pulsing with crimson light.
Master Yan began dismantling the remaining barriers, his hands moving with practiced ease. "The relic is attuned to the temple's energy. Removing it will destabilize the array, so we must act quickly."
Li Zhen stepped forward cautiously, his gaze fixed on the relic. As he reached for it, the chamber trembled, and a low growl echoed through the air.
A massive spirit beast materialized before them, its form a swirling mass of shadow and fire.
"A guardian," Master Yan muttered, his tone grim. "You'll have to deal with it while I finish disarming the array."
Li Zhen drew his blade, his spiritual energy surging as he faced the beast. "Leave it to me."