A thin mist blanketed the narrow path leading to the Hermit's Rift, a place known as the boundary between the human realm and the spirit world. Liang Feng walked slowly, his breath steady despite the cold air that cut against his skin. Beside him, Bai Xue the silver-haired guardian fox stepped gracefully, her eyes glowing with a piercing yet serene blue light.
In the distance, the faint sound of a small waterfall blended with the whispers of wind weaving through cracks in ancient stone cliffs. The natural symphony carried a peaceful rhythm, yet held an air of mystery with every gust.
The path narrowed further, flanked by tall stone walls slick with moss and morning dew. They were forced to walk single file, stepping over small stones wrapped in roots and fallen leaves. A faint scent of incense seeped from the cracks in the stone, signaling the presence of spiritual life at the end of the rift.
"This is… no ordinary place." Bai Xue whispered within Liang Feng's mind. Her silvery aura slowly enveloped her body, dispelling the faint dark energy that lingered in the distance.
Liang Feng nodded, feeling the Tianlong Mark on his chest pulsing in rhythm with his steps. He gripped the white staff passed down by Grandma Li tighter, then lowered his head toward his guardian. "Lead the way, Bai Xue."
A few steps later, the narrow trail opened into a small plateau surrounded by cliffs and massive stones arranged naturally like protectors. At its center, dozens of hermits sat in a circle, wearing thin robes of gray and white. Silver candles flickered around them, their flames dancing gently in the cold morning air.
At the center of the circle stood a flat stone altar, and atop it rested a large bronze chalice. The chalice was etched with entwining images of dragons and phoenixes, and from within it rose a silvery-blue mist swirling slowly.
An elderly hermit, his beard flowing down to his waist, stood leading the ritual. His voice was heavy yet gentle, each syllable uttered with reverence:
"Flowing soul current,
Align with the pulse of the cosmos,
Unite heaven and earth,
Neutralize the lingering darkness."
The mantra echoed between the stone walls, and the mist from the Spirit Current Chalice began to spin faster. Liang Feng felt a wave of energy brush against his chest like the caress of a spirit awakening from a long slumber.
Bai Xue stepped forward, her silver aura glowing brighter, then merged with the swirling mist. Her light danced above the chalice, reinforcing the sanctity radiating from the altar. Other hermits sprinkled incantation powder and lit incense made of pine leaves and astragalus root. The air filled with a calming fragrance, as though a thousand wild spirits were now lulled to sleep.
Yet Liang Feng noticed something strange. The mist inside the chalice was no longer stable. Streaks of dark crimson flickered within like wounds on the surface of water.
"Master… the current is disturbed." whispered a young hermit, his sharp gaze fixed on Liang Feng and Bai Xue. "You… you're not of the Hermit Clan. Who are you, really?"
Liang Feng stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "Forgive us for arriving unannounced. I am Liang Feng, and this is Bai Xue, guardian spirit of the Liang Valley forest. We were sent by Grandma Li to help maintain the spiritual balance here."
The old hermit paused his chanting. His gaze pierced into Liang Feng's memories. "Grandma Li?" he murmured. "Li Qiu Ling… disciple of Xu Shan? It's been two decades since we last heard of her…"
He nodded slowly. "If that's the case, then your arrival was destined. We have been waiting for someone like you."
Liang Feng let out a quiet sigh of relief. "But what's happening to the Spirit Current Chalice?"
The old hermit approached the altar, lowering his head. "Last night, dark spiritual tremors rose from beneath the earth. The sacred current within the chalice began to corrupt. The mist is unstable. This is not a mere disruption, it is the sign of an ancient force reawakening, one that should have remained buried."
Liang Feng examined the mist. The once-pure blue was now streaked with deep red lines. "If left unchecked, this corrupted energy could spread throughout the forest… awakening the slumbering evil spirits."
The old hermit nodded gravely. "Correct. And you must help us contain it."
Bai Xue stepped forward and placed her nose against the altar. "There's one side that's collapsed." she said. "The current is breaking from the western side of the chalice."
The old hermit gave a small smile, his eyes gleaming. "Your perception is extraordinary, Guardian. With your help, we may be able to restore balance."
The hermits began their preparations. They brought forth small bottles made of blackwood, each containing essence of tomada root, powdered sky crystal, and drops of sacred white dragon blood, the three most revered ingredients, used only under the full moon. Liang Feng held one of the bottles, staring at the shimmering liquid inside.
"This is incredibly precious." he whispered.
"Use it with a clean heart." advised the old hermit. "If not, the chalice could shatter under conflicting energies."
Liang Feng took his place before the altar. Bai Xue expanded her aura, forming a silver barrier to protect the ritual area. The red mist in the chalice seemed to recoil, afraid of the guardian's light.
Liang Feng opened the bottle and gently poured drops of tomada essence into the swirling mist. A blue vapor rose as each drop touched the current. He followed with the powdered sky crystal, then carefully added a drop of sacred white dragon blood into the center of the chalice.
The mist began to throb, gradually turning into a radiant silver glow. The once-chaotic energy started to converge, forming a harmonious pattern.
The old hermit chanted a new mantra, deeper and more powerful than before:
"One sacred current, unite in harmony
Seal the black stain, restore purity
From source to stream, let nature remain
In the Spirit Current Chalice, let light reign."
A silver radiance burst forth from the chalice, slicing through the air and sweeping across the stone walls of the Hermit's Rift. The wave of energy rippled far and wide, silencing the lingering dark spirits in the surrounding forest.
Liang Feng bowed his head, his body weak. But he knew their work was not yet done. Bai Xue leaned her head against his shoulder, sharing her strength through her protective aura.
The old hermit approached and placed a hand on Liang Feng's shoulder. "You have saved this place. Thank you, disciple of Grandma Li."
"We're only doing our duty." Liang Feng replied humbly.
But as he turned toward the rift's entrance, the mist grew thicker. The air shifted as if nature itself was signaling that this was just the beginning.
Bai Xue hissed softly. "The real threat has yet to arrive… the next phase will test everything."
Liang Feng tightened his grip on the white staff once again.