The Abandoned Clock Tower
The night was thick, shrouded in dark clouds. The dim yellow moonlight occasionally filtered through the clouds, casting faint beams upon a decaying clock tower. The tower's outer walls were covered with cracks, worn by the passage of time. The bronze bell at the top had long rusted, and when the wind passed, it emitted a low, muffled hum, as if it were whispering some ancient secret.
At the top of the precarious clock tower, two figures stood in the wind. Both were cloaked in black, their hoods obscuring their faces. Only the faint flutter of their cloaks in the cold breeze could be seen. Their voices were low, but carried an icy chill.
"Xiang Cheng," the mysterious figure on the left spoke first, his voice hoarse and deep, as though altered in some way. "I will help you overthrow the Spirit Domain City, but remember, our goal is only the Netherworld Netherworld Divine Orb. If humanity wants to rule the Spirit Domain, that's up to you, but the orb must belong to us."
Xiang Cheng, the figure on the right, did not respond immediately. He stood still, his gaze deep and calm beneath his hood, as if pondering the other's words carefully. After a moment of silence, he spoke in a low voice:
"You want only the orb, but expect humanity to bear the full cost of toppling the Spirit Domain City. The city is not as simple as you think—it cannot be easily destroyed with passion alone."
"Hmph." The mysterious figure sneered, his tone firm and unwavering.
"You want to escape the oppression of the Spirit Envoys. We provide intelligence and power—that's the best deal you will get. As for whether the Spirit Domain City is complex, that's your problem. We will take care of breaching Dream City and securing the gemstone that will unlock the seal to the Netherworld Divine Orb's resting place. Without that gemstone, don't even think about approaching the Netherworld Divine Orb or the seal's location."
Xiang Cheng narrowed his eyes slightly, a cold glimmer passing through his mind, but his expression betrayed nothing. He nodded slowly, his tone indifferent:
"Very well. If you are willing to take Dream City, I have no objections. As long as the plan goes smoothly, the Spirit Domain City will fall."
The mysterious figure seemed pleased with this answer. He gave a slight nod, preparing to leave, but before he departed, he murmured:
"Xiang Cheng, remember your promise. The Netherworld Divine Orb belongs to us."
As his voice faded, his figure quickly vanished into the wind, leaving behind only a fleeting trace of his cloak, as if he had never been there at all.
Atop the Clock Tower
Xiang Cheng quietly stood atop the clock tower, watching the direction where the mysterious figure had disappeared. His gaze grew colder, yet a meaningful smile tugged at his lips. He whispered to himself:
"The orb belongs to you? You truly think I'm your puppet to be manipulated?"
His voice carried a note of mockery and coldness, as if speaking to the departing figure or perhaps reaffirming his own resolve. He raised his head, looking into the dense night, his eyes gleaming with fervor and ambition:
"Overthrowing the Spirit Domain City is indeed a goal I must achieve. But no matter what power lies behind you, the Divine Orb—that is the key to my ascension as the true ruler of the Spirit Domain. No one will take it from me."
Dream City in the Distance
Meanwhile, hundreds of miles away, Dream City stood silent and mysterious under the night sky. Dream City, a unique place within the Spirit Domain, was located at the boundary between illusion and reality. Its walls were said to be forged from indestructible spirit stones, and within the city lay many ancient, indecipherable formations.
At its core was the coveted gemstone, which could unlock the Divine Orb's resting place—four gemstones in total, though their location remained unknown.
Above Dream City, a figure appeared silently, standing on a low-hanging cloud, gazing down at the city below:
"We've guarded Dream City for a thousand years. Time always seems to pass so quickly."
The wind howled, and the distant sound of bells faintly echoed, adding a chilling atmosphere to the night.
Back at the clock tower, Xiang Cheng stood unmoving, his gaze deep and unfathomable, as if plotting deeper, more far-reaching plans. He knew well that this war was not just a conflict between humanity and the Spirit Envoys. It was a game filled with deceit, calculations, and betrayal.
Ultimately, who would emerge as the true master of the Spirit Domain was a question that only time would answer.
A Remote Village in the Spirit Domain
Jay and Velk followed a winding path, arriving at a remote village deep within the Spirit Domain. Though small, the village was brimming with vitality and tranquility. Surrounded by dense forests, it was bordered by a crystal-clear stream. The gentle sound of flowing water, accompanied by distant birdsong, created a picturesque and serene setting.
The houses in the village were mostly wooden, reflecting a simple and natural architectural style. Handmade wind chimes hung by the windows, their crisp tones resonating in the light breeze. Some villagers were busy working in the fields, their dark skin and sturdy physiques complemented by honest smiles.
Meanwhile, the spirits who resided in the village moved leisurely among them, their semi-transparent forms gliding through the streets. Some joined the villagers in their work, while others chatted by the stream. The harmony between the living and the spirits was both remarkable and heartwarming.
Taking a deep breath, Velk remarked, "The air here is so fresh. It's far more pleasant than those noisy towns."
Jay nodded in agreement, his gaze sweeping across the village as a faint smile appeared on his lips. "Indeed. This place feels like a different world. It's rare to see spirits and villagers coexisting so peacefully."
Yet, beneath the village's peaceful facade lay a subtle sense of unease. A friendly villager offered them fresh water and fruits, inviting them to sit and rest. During their conversation, they learned of a chilling tale.
"You must be outsiders," rasped an elderly spirit seated beneath a large tree at the village entrance. His eyes glowed faintly blue, exuding both wisdom and caution. "If you plan to stay here, remember: don't go near the mountain behind the village, and under no circumstances enter the Black Blight Lands beyond it."
"Black Blight Lands?" Jay furrowed his brow. "What kind of place is that?"
The elder spirit shook his head slowly, a trace of dread flickering in his glowing eyes. "It's a strange and eerie land. The ground there is perpetually shrouded in a black miasma, like a swamp.
That miasma slowly saps the vitality of spirit hosts, leaving them weak and powerless. Those who venture in are eventually trapped, never to return."
"Then why do you still live here?" Velk asked, puzzled. "If it's so dangerous, wouldn't it threaten the village?"
"For us spirits and the villagers, the black miasma doesn't cause direct harm. It just feels unsettling," the elder spirit sighed softly. "But its presence casts a shadow over everyone's hearts, especially because strange whispers sometimes echo from the Black Blight Lands. No one dares to uncover its secrets."
"Whispers?" Jay's expression shifted, his tone laced with curiosity.
"Do you know what those sounds are?"
"No one knows," the elder spirit replied, shaking his head. "But some foolhardy spirit hosts have tried to investigate the Black Blight Lands, and none of them ever returned."
Hearing this, Jay and Velk exchanged a wary yet intrigued glance.
A Hidden Beauty
Despite the ominous tales of the Black Blight Lands, the village's beauty was enough to momentarily ease their tension. Behind the village, wildflowers in vibrant colors blanketed the slopes, swaying like waves in the breeze. In the distance, a lush forest stretched out, teeming with exotic birds and creatures darting between the trees. In the early morning, the forest was veiled in a delicate mist, creating a dreamlike, ethereal scene.
As Jay and Velk strolled down the village's main path, a group of children ran past, chasing after glowing spirit butterflies. Their innocent laughter filled the air. By the stream, a few spirits teased fish with long rods, their soft laughter rippling through the tranquil waterside.
"This place is truly beautiful," Jay remarked. "It feels like a secluded utopia. If not for the presence of the Black Blight Lands, this village would be perfect."
Velk nodded, his gaze lingering on the distant forest, a contemplative look in his eyes. "But it's precisely because of the Black Blight Lands that this place feels so mysterious. Perhaps it's this contrast between peace and danger that makes this village so unique."