Chapter Twenty-Five: The Coming of War

“The civilization of Earth in the First Era was both mysterious and powerful. The myths that permeate the Third Era all originate from the First. It’s said that they reached some sort of accord with the Will of the Universe—or perhaps even mastered it. The truth of this is now impossible to discern, but one thing is clear: the heights of civilization in the First Era are far beyond our understanding.” The old man sipped his tea, speaking slowly, his tone as tranquil as if reciting an ancient tale.

Luo Longyu listened, caught between belief and doubt, his thoughts shrouded in mist. What kind of civilization could make a pact with the Will of the Universe? And why would such a civilization vanish without a trace, leaving not a single remnant behind? All that remained was this crystal that had transformed itself into the Path of Corpses—the legendary remains of a life from the First Era.

“Then what about the Second Era?” Luo Longyu pressed.

The old man shook his head. “No one knows. No one. The Earth’s Second Era is even more enigmatic than the First. When it emerged, when it faded—there are no precise dates. Some speculate that the disappearance of the Second Era’s civilization was linked to the Void Spirits. If this theory holds, then the Void Spirits were responsible for the destruction of all three of Earth’s great civilizations. Luo Longyu, as the inheritor of the Path of Corpses, your burden is heavy indeed.” The old man’s gaze deepened upon Luo Longyu, inscrutable.

Luo Longyu fell silent for a moment before he spoke. “I have no such lofty ambitions. I’ve never believed myself to be the kind of man who saves the world. All I want now is to survive—even if it means living in this twisted form. If I must name a goal, it’s to find my mother’s remains and return them to the village for burial. My enmity toward the Demonkin stems from the fact that it was the Demon Ancestor and Ju Feng who stole her body.”

“Ju Feng…” The old man paused mid-pour, then continued, “You mustn’t confront Ju Feng now. You must understand, the conflict between Humans and Demons has lasted thousands of years, and only recently have we managed to coexist and unite against external threats. Ju Feng is the Demonkin’s spokesperson—one of the four captains of the Xuan Yi Pavilion. If you act against him, it would be tantamount to defying the Hundred Clan Accord. Everyone would stand against you. Is your mother’s body worth such a cost?”

“It is. Even if the world is turned upside down, I will recover my mother’s remains.” Luo Longyu’s answer was firm, his voice resolute, eyes unwavering.

A touch of helplessness flickered in the old man’s eyes. At last, he poured himself another cup of tea, his words laden with meaning: “All living things have their own destiny. Do what you must and let fate decide the rest. No one can predict what is to come. The road ahead is yours alone to walk—just don’t lose yourself along the way. When do you plan to descend the mountain?”

Unexpectedly, the old man did not try to dissuade Luo Longyu further. Instead, he asked when he would leave, making it clear he had nothing more to say. There are matters best left unspoken; Luo Longyu understood this well enough.

“Anytime, as long as you don’t try to stop me.” Luo Longyu glanced at Luo Mengxuan, who was ambling nearby, his words carrying a hint of meaning.

The old man caught on and laughed heartily, nodding. “Of course. Speaking of Xuanxuan, I have one more favor to ask of you—one I hope you’ll accept.”

“What is it?” Luo Longyu asked, puzzled.

The old man looked toward Luo Mengxuan. “Xuanxuan has been with me since childhood. She’s naïve, unacquainted with the evils of the world. I want her to leave the secret realm and train in the mundane world with you. The threat of the Void Spirits looms ever closer. She needs to understand just how brutal and bloody the future may become.”

“Why with me? Isn’t Kong Yuxuan her sister? Can’t she just join the Xuan Yi Pavilion?” Luo Longyu asked.

The old man sighed. “Yuxuan has spoiled Xuanxuan too much. If she goes to Yuxuan, nothing will change. With you, she’ll come to know darkness and despair firsthand.”

Luo Longyu frowned, uncertain why the old man said this or what exactly he meant by those last words. Still, he didn’t press, for another matter came to mind. He nodded. “I can take her back to the world, but I ask one thing in return.”

“Name it,” the old man replied.

Luo Longyu removed his paper umbrella. “Inside is a female ghost named Hua Ziye. A century ago, she was killed by bandits and nearly became a malevolent spirit. My mother once sent her on the path of reincarnation, but she told me the underworld no longer exists—a chasm has severed the Yellow Springs, and the Terrace of Farewell has mostly collapsed. She cannot reincarnate, and the forces of the living world are eroding her soul. Eventually, she will dissipate as well, so…”

“You want me to let her remain in the secret realm, shielded from the mundane world’s erosion?” the old man interrupted.

“No problem,” he agreed without hesitation. “In fact, one of my disciples, Wuya, cultivates the Ghost Path. He’s currently training at the Luofu Ghost Mountain beyond the stars. When he returns, he can help her resolve the resentment within her soul.”

“My thanks.” Luo Longyu stood and bowed to the old man, setting the umbrella on the stone table.

Hua Ziye now manifested her spirit form, looking gratefully at Luo Longyu. She hadn’t expected that a casual remark would linger in his heart. The old man walked over to Luo Mengxuan, likely to instruct her on the journey ahead.

“Longyu, thank you,” Hua Ziye said sincerely.

Luo Longyu smiled. “No need to thank me. With you at my side, I can’t shield you from the world’s effects. Since this place is cut off from the mortal realm, it’s for the best. And with the elder’s disciple, Wuya, you may even learn a thing or two.”

“Still, thank you. If not for you, I might have become a vengeful ghost and been destroyed by the experts of the Xuan Yi Pavilion.” Hua Ziye bowed, leaving Luo Longyu a bit flustered.

Soon after, the old man and Luo Mengxuan approached the pavilion. Luo Mengxuan had a brilliantly colored parrot perched on her shoulder and carried a huge knapsack that looked comically out of proportion with her petite frame. The old man watched with a doting, helpless smile.

“Luo Longyu, you’re my little brother from now on. Your big sister will protect you! Here—carry this!” Luo Mengxuan declared brazenly, tossing the bundle to Luo Longyu.

Luo Longyu’s mouth twitched as he caught the bundle. Under Luo Mengxuan’s increasingly astonished gaze, he opened it and began tossing out clothes and food, item by item. “You can’t wear this in the mortal world. Nor this, nor this… None of these. People will either think you’re acting or that you’ve time-traveled. No need for tea—who has time to brew it? These fruits are too heavy; just take two. What even is this?” He fished out a strip of white cloth, puzzled.

Luo Mengxuan’s cheeks flushed crimson. She snatched it back, shouting, “None of your business! I’m bringing everything!”

Luo Longyu was about to speak, but Hua Ziye stopped him, her own expression awkward. “That’s… well…” She gestured at her chest.

Luo Longyu was still confused. “What is it?”

“A breast band…” Hua Ziye’s voice was barely audible.

Realization dawned, and Luo Longyu coughed to cover his embarrassment. “Ahem. Just bring what’s necessary; the rest can stay.”

“I want to bring it all!” Luo Mengxuan stuffed everything back in, muttering resentfully.

“No. Too heavy and conspicuous. Leave it all,” Luo Longyu insisted.

The two argued for over half an hour under the old man’s and Hua Ziye’s helpless gaze. In the end, Luo Longyu’s persistence and the old man’s silent support prevailed. Luo Mengxuan, cheeks puffed and looking pitiful, was left with only two pieces of fruit.

Just as Luo Mengxuan opened the secret gate to leave with Luo Longyu, the old man called out to him, his expression grave. “You now know much about the Void Spirits. Even my understanding is limited to the past, but remember: they are your greatest enemy and threat for now. Be prepared—this world is no longer what it was. War has begun.”

With those inscrutable words echoing in his mind, Luo Longyu and Luo Mengxuan stepped out of the secret realm. On the other side of the gate, a city awaited—but the sight that greeted Luo Longyu left him stunned.

The city was devastated. Streets were shattered, skyscrapers collapsed, the ground littered with the wreckage of cars and tanks, and the remains of guns scattered everywhere. Dried bloodstains were visible throughout. Once prosperous, the city had become a wasteland.

From the battered road signs, Luo Longyu learned he was in Dongzhen City, a coastal metropolis in Guanghai Province—one of the most developed and affluent regions in China. Now, it lay in ruins.

Clearly, a brutal battle had taken place here. Judging from the scorched tanks and helicopters, the Liberation Army had fought fiercely, though the outcome was uncertain.

“What happened? Did the Void Spirits attack?” Luo Longyu could hardly believe his eyes.

“That shouldn’t be. Grandfather said the Void Spirits wouldn’t attack so soon, and there’s no trace of their unique aura here,” Luo Mengxuan replied, equally shocked.

Luo Longyu sensed his surroundings—no sign of survivors, only deathly silence. Not a single living thing stirred.

The parrot swiveled its head, eyes wide with alarm. The oppressive atmosphere lingered, the smoke of battle not yet settled. Only the ruin of toppled buildings seemed to testify to the disaster that had unfolded.

Suddenly, the sound of jets broke the silence as five fighter planes streaked across the sky, vanishing into the clouds. Clearly, the fighting continued elsewhere.

Luo Longyu oriented himself. “Dongzhen City is on the southeastern coast. We head west.” With that, he set out with Luo Mengxuan in tow.