The bodies calmed after the shadows released from them disappeared from the light. Master Liaoran knew that it would only work for a short while, and they would definitely come back to attack the team if they still lingered in this place. Depending on how long these bodies had been made into these soul containers, and the conditions of their “maintenance”, it could take them a few hours to days.
If he destroyed the spikes, it would free these bodies from the terrible torment. But without proper materials to build a neutralization or cleansing ritual or array, these bodies would only be wildcards to their quest here, if not outright obstacles and additional hindrances.
The downward stairs behind the arch were designed with some deliberate, malicious intent - the stairs were further apart than normal, which would lead to anyone descending them taking their legs further apart. He knelt down to take a more careful look at the material that made the stairs - buried inside each step was black cement mixed with glass shards and lime nuggets - a set up to slowly drain Yang energy from people as they walked, the wider their steps, the more proficient the drain. This would be relatively ineffective out there, alas its effects would no doubt be amplified by the dark energy roaming in every corner of this place. He then counted the number of steps, it was in total 79 before he would hit a turn - an inauspicious number.
Without further delay, he glided down the tunnel to search for the rest of the team. To his relief, exactly as he instructed, the entire team was waiting for him at a spacious turn in the tunnel.
“Wait - what’s the name of your first official student who could stay in the temple!?” Marcus raised his hand at Master Liaoran.
“His name now is Wuzui, his original name was Bai Gu.” Master Liaoran stopped and nodded at Marcus with an approving smile, then he turned to Gloria, who was standing beside Marcus: “What’s your name? And what’s your mentor’s favorite choice of code words?”
“My name is Gloria Lee, my mentor’s name is Luoshan Zi, her favorite choice of code word is holiday specials in her cafe.” Gloria responded.
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“Okay.” Master Liaoran and the team nodded at each other: “It’s great that you are all safe. How are you feeling? Did you see anything? Feel anything?”
“This tunnel drains our energy as we go down, so we came slower and took frequent breaks. It does seem to help a bit.” Gloria sighed: “But looks like there is still a long way to go.”
“It won’t be too long. And also - when you go down, either jump across the stairs or hop with your legs closed.” Master Liaoran shook his head: “This is a - an old and dirty trick to weaken the opponents. ”
The team went down three more flights of stairs before their path widened and ended with another arch. Out of the arch was an open area with tens if not hundreds of boulder-size gems and minerals laying about. The gems and minerals were glowing different colors, providing some dim lighting to their surrounding areas. The rest of the space was lit up by some flickering lights lined up like a circle around the wall.
Master Liaoran fixed his eyes forward, and instantly saw the shadows of armed individuals in tactical suits moving at a distance. The gems and minerals were protected by reinforced glass cages, there were also metal rails and bars at the lower parts of the glass cages. Should they engage with these people, these gems would no doubt be useful as barricades.
“We have enemies in there, this monk will not be able to cover for you all the way.” Master Liaoran walked in front of the team, traces of golden glow crawled through all of his exposed skin, from his face to his fingertips.
Marcus’ mouth moved a little, but finally just let out a blessing and caution: “Be careful, master.”
“Don’t worry about me.” As Master Liaoran went through the arch and into the open space.
Lights over their heads were turned on, for a moment none of the civilians were able to open their eyes, even Marcus, Gloria and Keryn had trouble seeing clearly. When they saw the armed men in black moving their way with guns pointing at them, they had but one choice - grab the civilians and hide behind the glass cages.
Somewhat strangely, those men in black did not open fire at all. Instead, they moved to surround everyone, locking them in the lines of suppressive fire. These were the same kind of troop the team aside from Master Liaoran encountered earlier - same kind of rifles and same kind of tactical armors.
“Hang on! Let this monk buy you an opportunity and some time to escape!” Master Liaoran waved his palms and was ready to unleash a powerful strike.
“Or, maybe you would like to reconsider that.” The gunfire stopped. The same two voices in unison came from the middle position of those armed men in black. Their formation split from the middle, and the same figure in a full dark red suit came out: “Master Liaoran, we meet again. Or should we call you, Luosha Yuwen, the first and last student of Master Jiewang, and the renowned Dark Blade Ranger?”
The air froze for a brief moment, Marcus exchanged looks with Gloria and Keryn - none of them knew what these names meant. The only one with a hint of reaction was Tae Kuo, who, though still unable to open his eyes fully, appeared to be utterly shocked.