Li Zhen wandered deeper into the Netherworld Pavilion, his footsteps echoing softly against the ethereal floor. The air around him pulsed with energy, a quiet hum of activity that seemed to emanate from the walls themselves. Despite the Pavilion's serene appearance, he couldn't shake the feeling that something—an ancient presence—was watching him.
The sigil on his hand tingled faintly, a reminder of his newly sworn duty. The Pavilion's voice, omnipresent yet strangely personal, had been silent since his return from guiding the tormented soul. For now, it seemed content to let him explore on his own.
Before him, a set of stairs spiraled upward, disappearing into a haze of golden light. Curiosity stirred within him, urging him forward. He ascended the steps, each one resonating faintly as if responding to his presence.
The Chamber of Memories
At the top of the stairs lay a grand chamber unlike anything Li Zhen had seen before. The walls were lined with enormous mirrors, each one framed by intricate carvings of life and death. The mirrors seemed alive, their surfaces shifting and rippling like pools of liquid silver.
In the center of the room floated a small, translucent orb. It pulsed with a gentle light, beckoning him closer.
"What is this place?" Li Zhen murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
As if in response, the Pavilion's voice returned, its tone calm yet enigmatic.
"This is the Chamber of Memories. Within these mirrors lie fragments of the past—yours and others'."
Li Zhen frowned. "Fragments of the past? What does that mean?"
The voice paused before answering, as if choosing its words carefully. "The Pavilion is tied to the cycle of life and death, its power connected to the karmic threads that bind all beings. These mirrors reflect pivotal moments, showing what was lost, forgotten, or misunderstood. They are not just your memories, but echoes of those whose lives have intersected with the Pavilion's purpose."
A Glimpse into the Past
Li Zhen stepped closer to one of the mirrors, drawn by a faint glow emanating from its surface. As he gazed into it, the ripples stilled, revealing a scene that made his heart clench.
It was a memory of his childhood. A younger version of himself sat by a dimly lit window, clutching a tattered book of fairy tales. His face was streaked with tears, his small frame trembling. Beside him lay a shattered porcelain teapot, its delicate pieces scattered across the floor.
Li Zhen felt a lump rise in his throat. He remembered that day vividly—it was the first time he truly felt the weight of abandonment. His parents, absorbed in their own lives, had left him alone for days, and he'd accidentally broken the teapot while trying to make tea. The memory of their harsh words when they returned still stung.
"Why are you showing me this?" he asked, his voice strained.
"Pain shapes us, Keeper," the voice replied. "To guide others, you must first understand yourself. This is only one piece of your story—a reminder of the resilience that brought you here."
The mirror shimmered, the image fading into ripples once more.
The First Keeper
Moving to another mirror, Li Zhen felt a surge of energy as a new image appeared. This time, it wasn't his memory but a scene from a distant past.
A figure stood in the middle of a grand hall, their features obscured by a flowing cloak. They radiated an aura of immense power, their every movement commanding respect. Around them knelt a group of spectral figures, their heads bowed in reverence.
"The first Keeper," Li Zhen whispered, realizing who he was seeing.
The Pavilion's voice confirmed his thoughts. "Yes. The one who laid the foundation for the Netherworld Pavilion. Their strength was unparalleled, but their path was fraught with sacrifice. To protect the balance, they made choices that few could bear."
As Li Zhen watched, the figure raised their hand, and a torrent of energy surged outward. The spectral figures dissolved into motes of light, their forms scattering into the void. It was a solemn and lonely sight, a reminder of the weight that came with power.
The scene faded, leaving Li Zhen to ponder its meaning.
A New Task
The orb in the center of the room began to pulse more intensely, drawing Li Zhen's attention. As he approached, it expanded, forming a glowing sphere of energy that hovered at eye level.
"A soul in distress has called out for aid," the Pavilion's voice announced. "Their despair threatens to disrupt the balance. Your task is to guide them to peace."
Li Zhen nodded, already steeling himself for what lay ahead. "Where is this soul?"
The orb flickered, projecting an image of a bustling cityscape. Skyscrapers loomed over crowded streets, their glass facades reflecting the chaos below. In the midst of the scene, a shadowy figure lingered on the rooftop of a high-rise building, their form flickering like a dying flame.
"This looks like modern Shanghai," Li Zhen muttered.
"Correct," the Pavilion confirmed. "The soul is trapped by its own regrets, unable to move on. You must reach them before their anguish consumes them completely."
A Race Against Time
Li Zhen focused on the image, and the sigil on his hand began to glow. In an instant, he felt his surroundings shift, the Pavilion's tranquil chamber replaced by the cold, night air of Shanghai. He stood on the rooftop of a skyscraper, the city's neon lights casting eerie shadows around him.
The shadowy figure was there, crouched at the edge of the roof. Its form was barely human, twisted and fractured by the weight of its sorrow.
Li Zhen approached cautiously. "I'm here to help you," he said, keeping his voice calm.
The figure turned, its hollow eyes locking onto him. "Help me?" it rasped. "You can't help me. No one can."
"What happened to you?" Li Zhen asked.
The soul let out a bitter laugh. "I was betrayed—by the people I trusted most. They ruined me, left me with nothing. Why should I forgive them? Why should I move on?"
Li Zhen's heart ached at the raw pain in the soul's voice. He understood what it meant to feel abandoned, to be consumed by anger and regret. "Holding onto that pain will only chain you here," he said. "You deserve peace, but you have to let go first."
A Fierce Encounter
Before the soul could respond, a sudden chill filled the air. Li Zhen's senses went on high alert as a dark presence emerged from the shadows. A Wraith appeared, its form larger and more menacing than the one he'd faced before.
The soul recoiled, its flickering form growing weaker. "It's come for me!" it cried.
Li Zhen stepped forward, placing himself between the soul and the Wraith. "You're not taking anyone tonight," he said, summoning his spiritual energy.
The Wraith lunged, its claws slicing through the air with deadly precision. Li Zhen countered with a blast of elemental energy, forcing it back. The battle was intense, the rooftop shaking with the force of their clashes.
Using the Pavilion's power, Li Zhen created a barrier to shield the soul while he fought the Wraith. Drawing on his experiences from the Six Elements trials, he combined techniques to trap the creature in a vortex of energy. With a final strike, he destroyed it, the Wraith dissolving into a cloud of dark mist.
Redemption and Peace
Turning back to the soul, Li Zhen extended his hand. "It's over. You're safe now."
The soul hesitated, its hollow eyes filled with uncertainty. "Can I really move on? After everything I've done?"
"Yes," Li Zhen said firmly. "But only if you're willing to forgive yourself."
The soul trembled, its form flickering one last time before solidifying. It reached out, taking Li Zhen's hand. A warm light enveloped them both as the soul began to ascend, its anguished cries replaced by a serene silence.
As the light faded, Li Zhen found himself back in the Pavilion. The orb in the Chamber of Memories glowed brightly, its energy radiating a sense of accomplishment.
The Pavilion's voice spoke once more. "You have done well, Keeper. The balance is restored, and your path grows clearer with each step. Continue onward, for there is still much to learn."
Li Zhen nodded, determination burning in his eyes. The challenges ahead would be many, but he was ready to face them.