The pavilion was unusually quiet. The master sat in his study, gazing at the glowing orbs of energy hovering above the Dao Formation Table. Each orb represented a location where dark energy had begun to seep into the mortal realm, a foreboding sign that the delicate balance of the world was at risk.
"The cracks are spreading faster than expected," the master muttered to himself. His brows furrowed deeply. The energy flows were becoming chaotic, and even with his understanding of Dao Law, the source remained elusive.
"Ding! New Task Initiated: Investigate the anomalies in Blackthorn Forest. Reward: 300 points."
The sudden voice of the system broke his concentration. He glanced at the energy map once more, and Blackthorn Forest glowed faintly on the surface.
"The forest…" he murmured, closing his eyes briefly. With a flick of his hand, the table shimmered, and the formation disappeared. "This time, I must act personally."
With a swipe of his sleeve, the master vanished into a portal of light, heading toward Blackthorn Forest.
The journey to Blackthorn Forest was swift, but even as the master arrived at its edge, he sensed the unnatural energy lurking within. The trees were tall and twisted, their leaves darkened to a sickly black. The wind carried an eerie whisper, as though the forest itself was alive and restless.
"So, the corruption has already seeped into this place," the master said, stepping onto the dark soil. The ground beneath his feet seemed to pulse, as though responding to his presence.
"Who dares disturb the forest?" a hoarse voice growled from the shadows.
The master paused. Out of the mist emerged a group of dark-armored figures. Their eyes glowed red, and their weapons dripped with black energy. These were no ordinary soldiers—they were corrupted souls, manipulated by dark forces.
"So the Eclipse Shard's influence has reached here already," the master muttered, his expression calm but his eyes sharp. He clasped his hands behind his back and surveyed the enemies before him. "You are already lost. Leave this place, or be destroyed."
The soldiers snarled and rushed forward, their corrupted weapons raised high.
At the same time, in the imperial capital, General Wei Long stood at the war table, surrounded by his advisors. Maps were spread out before them, marked with red ink that highlighted key battles across the empire.
"Reports indicate unusual disturbances in Blackthorn Forest," one advisor said. "Travelers claim to have seen strange lights and heard voices calling to them from within."
Wei Long frowned, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "Blackthorn Forest has always been treacherous, but this…" He paused, his thoughts turning to the master at the pavilion. "Something darker is at work here."
"General," another advisor spoke up, "the Heavenly Secret Pavilion may have insight. Should we seek the master's counsel?"
Wei Long nodded. "Prepare my horse. I will personally ride to the pavilion. If this darkness spreads, it could threaten the entire empire."
Back in Blackthorn Forest, the battle was swift and decisive. The corrupted soldiers fell one by one, their black energy dissipating into the air as the master unleashed his Dao-infused strikes. His movements were fluid, his power controlled, as though he were orchestrating a dance of destruction.
But as the last soldier fell, the forest trembled.
"It's not over," the master murmured, looking toward the deeper parts of the forest. The air thickened, and a low hum began to resonate from below the ground.
A voice echoed through the trees, deep and rumbling.
"So…you have come at last."
The master's gaze sharpened as the source of the corruption revealed itself. From the darkness emerged a massive creature—a beast cloaked in shadows, its eyes burning with crimson light. It towered above the trees, its body pulsing with an ominous energy.
"The Shadow Beast," the master said quietly. "So the rumors were true. The Eclipse Shard has birthed a creature of this magnitude."
The beast roared, shaking the forest to its roots. The corrupted energy spread further, darkening the ground as cracks appeared, seething with black light. The master raised his hand, summoning golden runes that formed a barrier around him.
"I will purify you," he declared.
The Shadow Beast lunged forward, its claws swiping at the master with devastating force. The impact shattered nearby trees, but the master stood firm, his barrier absorbing the blow.
"Futile," the master said, his voice echoing with power. With a flick of his wrist, he sent a blade of golden energy slicing through the air. It struck the beast's arm, leaving a glowing wound that hissed and burned.
The beast howled in pain, retreating momentarily.
The master didn't relent. His hands moved quickly, forming seals as golden light erupted around him. "Heavenly Binding Array!"
Chains of golden energy burst from the ground, wrapping around the Shadow Beast and binding it in place. The creature thrashed violently, but the chains held firm.
"Now, be cleansed," the master said, raising his hand. "Dao Law—Purification Flame."
A column of white fire descended from the heavens, engulfing the beast. The creature's roars turned into shrieks as the flames burned away the corruption. The black energy dissipated into the air, leaving behind the massive, charred form of the Shadow Beast.
With a final cry, the beast disintegrated into ash, its power undone.
The master lowered his hand, breathing deeply. The forest fell silent once more, the oppressive energy lifting as light began to filter through the trees.
"Ding! Task Complete: Investigate the anomalies in Blackthorn Forest. Reward: 300 points."
The system's voice broke the silence, but the master paid it little mind. He knelt, placing his hand on the ground where the beast had fallen.
"The corruption is deep," he murmured. "The Eclipse Shard's influence has grown stronger. If left unchecked, it could consume this entire realm."
He rose to his feet, his expression grave. "The time for preparation is over. War is coming."
Later that evening, Wei Long arrived at the pavilion. He dismounted his horse and entered the grand hall, where the master waited.
"Master," Wei Long said, bowing deeply. "Dark forces are stirring across the empire. I fear we may not be prepared for what's to come."
The master nodded, his expression serious. "The corruption in Blackthorn Forest was only the beginning. The Eclipse Shard's power is awakening. If we do not act swiftly, the entire mortal realm will be at risk."
Wei Long's jaw tightened. "Then tell me what must be done. I will gather the armies and face whatever comes."
The master shook his head. "This is not a battle that can be won with swords and soldiers alone. The forces at play are beyond the comprehension of most mortals. I must prepare the pavilion for what lies ahead. And you, General Wei Long, must ready your men. The storm is coming, and we must stand united to face it."
Wei Long nodded, his resolve unshaken. "Then we will stand together, Master. The empire will not fall."
The master looked out into the distance, his gaze fixed on the horizon. The sky was darkening, and a cold wind blew through the pavilion.
"No, it will not," he said quietly. "But sacrifices will be made. And the true battle has yet to begin."
As the night deepened, the master returned to his study, the glowing energy map still shimmering before him. He traced his finger across the lines of power, his thoughts focused on the battles to come.
"The Eclipse Shard…" he whispered. "What other secrets do you hold?"
Far away, in the darkest reaches of the realm, a faint pulse of black light throbbed, as though answering his question.