The Kingdom of Yan.
On a rleading to the capital of Yan.
Serena Nie and Clara Ning's homeland lay just outside the capital, a place known for its learned families and a history of producing loyal officials and brave generals. It was a land once celebrated for its virtue and patriotism, its name whispered with respect.
Night fell like a blanket over the land. No stars pierced the inky darkness above, only the pale, serene light of a high-hanging full moon. Its cold glow settled over the wilderness, lending a chilling aura to the deserted r It was a night of eerie quiet—a perfect time for fiends and demons to emerge, drawn to the moonlight's energy.
Seated on the sacred lotus platform,Ethan Shu journeyed forward, drawing ever closer to the capital. However, with each step, he felt the oppressive force of demonic energy growing heavier, like a dark shroud enveloping the heart of the capital. Gazing into the distance, he could see no auspicious signs from the heavens. Instead, black clouds swirled ominously over the city, foreboding a dangerous mystery.
"There must be a great demon lurking in the capital," he muttered.
It was an unsettling realization. As the seat of the kingdom, the capital should have been a place of prosperity and light, a city safeguarded by imperial authority and strong faith. No demon should have dared to openly reveal itself there. If one did, it would be hiding in the shadows, fearful of the emperor's power. But what he sensed now was no subtle darkness; it was a smothering presence that had already conquered the city's radiance.
"Such brazenness shows the decline of righteousness. These demons now dare to roam unchecked in the capital itself." His brow furrowed,Ethan Shu considered speeding forward to reach Serena Nie and Clara Ning's hometown. Just then, his supernatural vision caught a flicker of demonic aura below, emanating from an abandoned temple.
"A fiend?" he thought, his eyes narrowing. "Perfect. I'll take care of it before I continue."
Descending from his lotus platform,Ethan Shu invoked his spiritual energy. With a simple gesture, he raised his palm and released a powerful sacred chant.
"Om Mani Padme Hum…"
A colossal golden [卍] symbol burst from his hand, illuminating the dark night as it surged toward the ground, crashing into the old temple with a resounding boom. A massive corpse creature hidden within the temple, grotesque and twisted, was obliterated instantly.
"Congratulations, Host. You have defeated the mutated corpse monster and earned 600 cultivation points," intoned the system.
Ethan Shu continued his journey, unperturbed. Before long, he arrived at the homeland of Serena Nie and Clara Ning.
Touching down, he retracted the lotus platform, transforming it into a small, apple-sized orb that he tucked away in his storage space. Then, he unfurled a paper umbrella.
"Xiaoqian, Caicheng, we've arrived," he called.
Two ethereal figures materialized beside him—a red-clad Clara Ning
and a white-gowned Serena Nie.
"Is this…?" Serena Niewhispered, her voice tinged with emotion as her eyes roamed the familiar surroundings. "Our homeland…"
Both women's voices trembled with nostalgia, a bittersweet ache that filled their eyes. They hadn't imagined that they would ever return, even as spirits, to the land where they were born.
Hand in hand, the two women wandered through the deserted streets, observing the familiar, yet unfamiliar landscape.
"Everything looks different… Why does it feel so desolate now?" Clara Ning remarked, her face creased in sadness. "Look, there's a starving body on the ride!"
Alarmed, the women gestured to the body of an emaciated figure lying lifeless on the street.Ethan Shu approached, checking for any sign of life.
"They've been gone for some time," he confirmed, shaking his head. "But how could this be? This close to the capital, under the emperor's rule… it shouldn't be possible for people to die of hunger."
"Indeed, it's strange," said Clara Ning, her eyes scanning the empty town. The hometown they remembered was lively, prosperous—a place where people's spirits were lifted by the presence of just and loyal officials. Now, even Qingyu Town seemed livelier than here.
"What has happened here?" Serena Nie asked, her tone filled with dread.
"I suspect it may be tied to the great demon concealed within the capital,"Ethan Shu replied.
"What?" Serena Nie gasped. "A demon… in the capital?"
Clara Ning's face grew pale. "But that's the emperor's city! How could a demon dare hide there?"
"It's hidden well, and without a trained eye, you wouldn't detect it,"Ethan Shu explained. "But rest assured—no demon can evade me."
Clara Ning shot him a skeptical look. "You certainly know how to boast."
Ethan Shu smiled serenely, his hands coming together in a silent prayer. "Amitabha, monks do not lie."
As the night wore on,Ethan Shu sat in meditation, leaving Serena Nie and Clara Ning to rest and reflect on the sorrow that filled their homeland.
The next morning, the townsfolk stirred with whispers. A monk had come to their quiet town—a tall, handsome figure dressed in pure white robes, carrying a paper umbrella despite the bright, sunny day.
Ordinary mortals couldn't see the two ghostly women who accompanied him. To them, he was alone—a solitary, striking monk with an otherworldly aura.
This book is provided by FunNovel Novel Book | Fan Fiction Novel [Beautiful Free Novel Book]