Novels2Search
The Philosopher's Stone
{第十五章}: Chapter XV

{第十五章}: Chapter XV

*ೃ༄

"Oh no, he broke through!"

Fang shouted, turning to the direction of the source. "Time to make our move," Baiheng declared, unsheathing his blade and preparing himself. Zihao didn't hesitate, leaping and changing his scales form into a pair of pitch-black draconic wings as he let out a deafening roar. The Dark Dragon glared at the human group and hissed, as he spits out another poisonous clouds towards the group.

The Dragon King screamed when Ruqian stabbed him on his spine using his blade and slashed, before he heard an explosion above. Seeing this opportunity, Sui-Feng combined the gun blades when a violent wind began to formed in various amount in the way of her and destroyed the heavy corpses and dark creatures nearby. The other Great Warrior attacked the same way using their weapons, forming an incredible whirlwind upon the dragon and soon the earth gave in from the impact of the attack.

Ruqian panted as he landed on the ground beside Yiyang, he felt his injuries regenerating slowly which he watched Zilian charged against his injured father. "I'm able to prevent the rest of the resurrection, but I'm afraid the last pillar... will stand up again soon. Yiyang, you have to assist Zilian together with Meiying as well as give Master Jingshen some encouragements from his fight."

"Got it."

Taiyang had to keep an eye on Ruqian's plan while Naran was busy taking down the remaining enemies while a shockwave occur, giving a flash from their eye sockets before he threw his weapons toward the giant serpent creature like an arrow with a bluish shine. "Naran, be careful there," he reminded him with a closed-eyed smile, the Chief-General huffed--staring at the giant Dragon King who was Zilian's father. "I might need to clean up myself first, it's a disgusting shit. And yes, watch this."

He began focusing his red aura as he kept maintaining his physical and mental stability. Then, several large dark purple swords with black crow-like manifestations formed behind Naran when his eyes opened and displayed a red color. Watching the enemies, Naran knew what he was aiming: the Dragon King. Using his Supreme Arts: Nightfall Black Crows, he unleashed another volley of explosive fire from the large gilded sword as the swords zoom around in the air. All the crows will act as arrows when attacking. "Princess!"

Meiying nodded as she use her parasol with Zilian's sword, she glanced at the half-human Dragon Prince beside her--she couldn't believe this man has been hiding from humanity because he thought he'll just interfere in the society. A human being part of dragon family, did he saw himself being an outcast even he had lived here? Once Zilian looked away, it gives her a deep sadness. How hard for him to start a life, to understand the modern world, the outside environment... "Zilian... I..." she uttered, resting her hand on his cheek. They knew how difficult to control everything that's new, overwhelming than their kind could handle.

"After dealing with my father, once I let go of all these negative emotions and return to a life of peace and harmony. After all, he never was the man I admired and respected, I did this... to make sure I will become someone better than a lonely vagrant," Zilian confessed, bringing a smirk on his lips. It made her amazed at his confident demeanor, his kindness never ceased to exist even after his emotional breakdown--a true hero who she deserves. After the flashy light, the elder dragon staggered on the ground as his body was heavily wounded, especially there are purplish-yellow dusts spreading on his skin. Ruqian and Yiyang watches silently, they cannot make a word coming from them. "Are you done yet?!"

Ruqian snapped, trying to disturb the two from their session and watching them fighting the elder dragon is quite interesting for him--it was entertaining until a few minutes passed and they saw the gigantic elder Dragon King roared before Zilian turning into his Ice Dragon form; roaring back and began to clash as a Dragon against a Dragon. They can see him raising and shaking the icy horns on his head. At the same time, Naran finally reach to the Dragon King and slashing his sword repeatedly and unleash another powerful techniques: his powerful ability known as the Moonlight Vanish Strike where he raised his blade, before slashing the weapon in multiple directions to deal extreme amount of damage and killing the undead creatures.

Finally, their battle has come to an end. When the smoke cleared, the elder dragon fell on the ground and exhausted--withstanding the last fight. Zilian reverted back into his human form, before Meiying came to him with worry and glad, and hugged him close. Zilian accepted her embrace as well, before they remembered that... they were not done dealing with Zihao yet. So, they decided to head towards the snow mountains.

The four of them were deeply injured, they couldn't believe the Dark Dragon was so hard to defeat. "Just because we're the strongest... doesn't mean we don't have weakness... Hell, he didn't used the real powers yet, you know..." Sui-Feng trailed off, snorting under her breath. Fang sat beside her, crossing his arms and with his mind full of rage. "That motherfucker is very unpredictable, if he's in this disadvantage zone... he might use his dark chi to gather more power from the Black Beasts."

He said, closing his eyes. Yinghua was coughing violently, feeling her throat is burning because of the poisonous vapors and Baiheng trying to soothe her distress. A powerful aura filled the whole area, turning to look behind--the next sight is a miracle. "Yinghua, are you alright?" Sui-Feng asked, seeing her pupil trembled as the said female stared at the light orbs flowing and swirling around her. Without wasting time, Fang dragged her. "Let's get out of here," he hissed. She shook her head frantically, something was wrong but...

Fang slowly stand up on the ground, as if he want to do something... real foolish. "Fang, what are you doing?" Yinghua asked, concerned filled her voice. While the other were silent, Fang stood in the center of the swirl while keeping his eyes close and lowering his head. "Wait, no... are you--" Sui-Feng guessed before Fang began to clench his fist and took a stance. Yinghua knew what he is currently planning, she slowly stand up with a stunned expression as her eyes widened. "If you die twice, I swear I will kill you. If something bad happens to her, I will fucking beat you up until you begged me to stop."

Sui-Feng growled, resting her palm on Fang's shoulder. "Master Sui-Feng, don't worry. I'm the only one who can protect her from this--she can be alone... for a while."

Yinghua was confused, why is her childhood friend must bring himself into this kind of position? Fang finally make the promise that no one will hurt her friend--no matter the situation. "Zhou Fang, what you will do is going to be regrettable. The other Chief-Generals are coming, yet..."

Baiheng warned, making everyone gasped. Fang knows how difficult it is to control himself, without proper and serious guidance. This aura possesses spiritual properties, if one were to get rid of it, his consciousness will eventually take over which is dangerous and impossible to bring him back, even for once. "Listen, guys... my dream is to be stronger, like everyone in the military. To have the power to conquer any odds, including me," the young male finally spoke, feeling his hands are getting warm. "And to accomplish that, I can't let anyone who interfere with it," he added as he the spiritual energy began to rise up into the air, trying to engulf its host.

Yinghua cannot process the fact that... it was a mistake, the fatal mistake she made. She felt guilty, and Fang will tell her to not afraid or not the be ashamed from herself. "Xue Yinghua, we will see each other after... this."

It's their most unforgettable moment for the rest of her life, and see her childhood friend smiled softly as she can feel her tears are slowly building inside her eyeballs. Yinghua tried to remain strong and enduring their battle, before she glanced at the female mentor beside her and her childhood friend. "Fang... are you going to...?" she asked, trying not to make a sound, knowing she'll spill out the agony she felt.

Yinghua doesn't know if her efforts did not come in vain, after Fang was giving a word of wisdom: "Take good care of yourself. Don't try to make rash decision. Let nature takes its course."

When the group were leaving, Yinghua wanted to speak with her friend but, suddenly, her vision began to get blurry. When they return to the snow mountains, the Dark Dragon was busy destroying the walls and summoning the giant monsters as he was so angry upon their failure and the duo who was here earlier were making a defensive stance. Until, Fang ran forward and stabbed his sword and gunlance on the Dark Dragon's chest--breaking the armored scales as the light emerged and he yelled out loud, almost echoing on the space. Everyone present witness a pale flash... right before their eyes.

Soon, everything around them were shaking and everything burst, sending everyone scatter while Yinghua screamed his name out loudly, trying not to cry nor release another wail.

"ZHOU FANG!"

This is the first time, Baiheng saw his pupil... a coolheaded yet composed man; sacrificing himself because he is desperate and eager to become a Great Chief-General like him and in order to save his friend from danger. When everything seemed to be calm and silent, Yinghua watched with shock and awe, seeing the darkness-element that was the main aura of the evil spirit now transferred to Fang. Instead, she looked back to Fang as he absorbed the demon's essence and soon the cursed Dark Aura was released and began to envelop the warrior until he burst through the shadows and stand in the cold surface. "No... is he...?!"

Yinghua's voice cracked in shock and fear, when she looked at Fang; his golden eyes were surrounded by dark shadows and his appearance became very different, like a transformation. He wasn't himself anymore, instead... this made Yinghua got the chance... to kill the Dark Dragon and Zihao. "Yinghua, you can do this!" Sui-Feng called her, jumping higher the cliff. After all, Yinghua still want to save Fang from harm's way.

Now, the current Fang is invincible to any magical or energy attacks... as well as it rendered him into insanity.

Suddenly, Yinghua can hear a familiar laughter. She glance up and saw a huge mass of wind which seems that could bring her down, but she... wanted to awaken her Supreme Art of the Thunder Phoenix. "Yinghua, you know what to do!" Meiying shouted. Yinghua nodded as she unleashed the powerful blue, green and gold flames around her--her tears finally spilling out of her eyes when she unleashes her inner power when Fang begins to raise his sword and gunlance, after releasing a sudden powerful strong crimson flames. The ailment of Lunar Moon Rage has awakened within her, the same one that her mentor Sui-Feng has--Yinghua roared before she launch her final attack.

Unlike his former self... the person that Fang has become have been taken over, and replaced. Though they were a different person, Yinghua couldn't tell what just happened next--she ran towards him as the entity ran towards her. As if everything is in the slow motion, she swung the blade several times against the possessed warrior. During the process, she caught him with the large, explosive energy of thunderous inferno and tried to snap him back. In a few more seconds later, everyone was watching their deadly dance until the next second occurred.

"... Xue Yinghua..."

Yinghua watched the black miasma has faded as Zihao screamed when the Dark Dragon was exploded from the insides out, rendering him an inhuman form. Soon, she didn't see Fang anymore in front of her... she dropped her sword and gunblade--kneeling on the ground as the wind is slowly calming down. Closing her eyes, tears began to overflown and everyone were too shocked and sadden to speak. The young female covered her face and sob. This is the first time that Yiyang, Taiyang and Naran saw her... broken by sadness. "Yinghua!" Sui-Feng yelled, kneeling beside her and Yinghua fell in Sui-Feng's chest."You okay...?" she asked her, watching her pupil cried louder.

Baiheng watched them for a moment, sensing the Chief-Generals and the army has arrived after saving the Emperor, Empress and Meiying's younger brother. Jinghua's calm yet, gentle expression softened when she stood beside Baiheng--she began to sympathize on the girl's sorrow. 'She truly the hope, for all Xanadu Empire. Then something mysterious is behind the curtains that we're going to unravel,' she thought. "Hey, it's okay..." Sui-Feng reassured her, but Yinghua can't forgive herself for doing such reckless and stupid act.

"Sui-Feng, there's nothing to hold back since all this mess is coming to an end. Besides, I didn't do my best in training myself since it turns out to be unexpected, as expected when I started knowing him by heart... he was taken away from us. I can't imagine how his little sister Feihung will feel about this? Not only he's abandoned his family, he was such a stubborn type--he let the darkness consume his life, I know he's sacrificed himself to save us... his sacrifice wasn't in vain, he knew the risks that involve for..."

'Without Fang... there's no Xue Yinghua anymore,' they thought, as the young woman cried until she passed out. After the young woman fainted, Baiheng order the royal soldiers to imprison Zihao and his followers from the assault.

As days have passed, there was a celebration across the streets. When Meiying and her parents stepped out the Royal Palace to see everyone were happy and peacefully living, the monk smiled happily at his kindness, giving his people hope to achieve a greater life. However, at what cost; some of the hero has fallen during the war--as they started to mourn for their deaths, knowing they fought to the very last breath. Meanwhile, Yinghua was in her bedroom of her palace quarter... depressed. How will her friends Yang, Mingyu, Lingshan, Meixiu, Yaoren and Yunjiao will react to this? Especially Yunjiao, who's obsessed with Fang to the point of showing envy towards Yinghua herself? Will she blame Yinghua for killing Fang if she didn't kill the Dark Dragon?

Those thoughts were spinning inside her head, unable to break free from her depression. Luckily for her, she's alone in the bedroom after Yiyang left. "I told Feihung that her older brother will be away for a bit, seriously that little girl... I don't want her to grief," Baiheng stated, folding his arms. Sui-Feng nodded, watching her pupil stand in the middle of the room, with sadness and uncertainty. "What the hell is wrong with you? I thought you're stronger than this, being such a crybaby--" Naran stated, until Sui-Feng bonked his head by chopping her hand from behind. "Oww, the fuck?!"

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

"Don't forget that Yinghua was close to him, anyway, I'm telling you--how will someone behave like a total maniac and sacrificing their body in order to inherit his family's sacred, forgotten and uncontrollable rage? He is the reincarnation of the Dragon's Rage--an ancient element which they said it was lost due to destruction, and somehow... it's passed down through blood and family. Not even mastering Art of Heaven can break the possession."

Yiyang deduced, recalling the time she read the secrets and myths from her clan's Book of Immortal Heroes and Elixir of Immortality. Baiheng watched Yinghua from the distance, it's never too late to find a way. "By the way, you two will need to face your own battles from now on, as Great General or maybe... stronger than Chief-Generals," Jinghua reminded.

There's a silence, before Sui-Feng huffed and approach Yinghua. In a few hours, before she's gonna attend the ceremony in honor of their victory over Zihao's corruption and his immoral ways... both her best friends decided to find clues about the disappearance. Sui-Feng was telling everyone what's the real target this time, Yinghua won't spend anymore time of looking for a way.

"Xue Yinghua."

Everyone froze when they heard Baiheng stood near the door, looking down in his usual attitude. But unlike his usual stern, expression; the gentle but a very stern expression appears. "Losing one person is unfortunate. Losing two people in a row could have been tragic. It is only normal for you to be upset. However, are you gonna give up easily? Yes, Fang is Zihao's only chance to overcome the final transformation from the Black Beasts or became one of them; I think you know what might happen if Zihao get killed, now. If that's the case, then I would not stop you. But now, after what he had done, he'll turn into one. It's impossible to reach him."

Yinghua nodded as she still unsure of continuing--knowing Zihao is beyond their reach, if their hope to revive him seemed to have vanished in thin air. Fang's body can't move or function no more, they can't revive him. Yinghua went back to the courtyard where Sui-Feng rested, Yinghua didn't know how much had changed, and everything after Fang was taking care of the menacing threat before his death. Maybe everything feels the same, maybe he is gone... but not her memories, never will his death be forgotten. With one last look and thinking about his good deeds in his short-lived life, she then steps into the light. They will think of him from time to time--a hero, that's his legacy.

Thus, the battle was complete... right in the nick of time.

"I... haven't said that I..."

Jinghua was surprised after hearing those words coming from Yinghua's mouth, she place her hand on the young woman's shoulder. The Great General nodded when she watches a pair of birds flying on the horizon. "Don't blame yourself... What he did is rightful, now let's move on. Fang wouldn't want to see you grieving... always remember, who gave you wings?" she reassured, the other Chief-Generals weren't shocked about it--they knew that Fang and Yinghua were more than just a couple. "Also, we decided... to abolish the Chief-Commander position so the twelve of us Chief-Generals will be leading every corner and battlefield together as a group. Such a powerful title can be destructive or overwhelming, but mainly... it's dangerous to keep the position."

***

A few days later, after the tragedy, Yinghua began to stand in the edge of the Chief-General's Palace, sitting on the staircase. Behind her were several birds chirping and she decided to calm her mind down. She look up at the bright blue sky; a smile crosses her face as she enjoyed the scenery. Life goes on, yet the pain will never disappear. Yinghua tried to move on, but her emotions are hard to restrain. Closing her eyes, she's slowly letting go of the negative emotions. 'Take a breath, and show me a smile,' her subconscious echoed, she can't deny herself from what she was feeling... it's not going to help her from the dangerous circumstances and her enemies. But her mentors were with her, and she continue fighting for her friends and allies.

Yinghua stand up from the ground, walking down the staircase as she headed to the arena. "I'm ready, I'll no longer be a weakling."

Everyone witness as she walks past, including the other Chief-Generals. Chifeng narrowed his eyes when he observed her, he feel bad because he weren't in there due to him handling the Black Beasts attack in Xanadu Empire's border. He folded his arms, murmuring; "You indeed, made into the biggest fighter of Xanadu. I can say it, thanks to her skills."

Chifeng didn't hear the female Chief-General smack his shoulder, Chifeng grumbled a bit. And yet, watching her leave with a confident demeanor... he really mean it with those words. "Regarding the miasma, I began to doubt about that shadow again. But I have a lot of questions to ask him. If our foes are after that Philosopher's Stone, again... it has to be stopped," Baiheng stated, looking at Yinghua who was heading to the training ground. "So, what do we do?" Jingshen asked, he was concerned about the aftermath since... something was off. Baiheng narrowed his eyes, his pupil also watching the people whom they trust will do anything for them. "Sui-Feng's squad will form the special team, able to deal with certain assignments. Now that the traitorous faction is still in existence, and we must find the reason why the Dragon King... wanting to slaughter everything in the world. Right now, I want to make a request."

"And, I suspect something is off... the theory is too suspicious, who really wants us to believe a lie?" Naran expressed, he was bothered by the 'mess' that they are dealing with. He and Chifeng, along with other generals may be over-the-top... but to be serious means: trouble is inevitable. "He can't be revived, his body couldn't be fixed... but Zilian warned that... the time will come if the darkness is completely absorbed," Jinghua pointed, recalling that part when Zilian sensed and saw Zihao have absorbed the darkness-element of his mind and sanity, meaning his death was pretty much obvious. That's when his real potential will be enhanced by a high amount of power; and his rationality...

Until Yinghua is taking the risk by stopping him on her own.

Sui-Feng's long white vulpine ear twitched, she knitted her eyebrows together as she hold the Philosopher's Stone. "Zilian also mentioned that... this stone can grant a wish, that we can reborn into modern world. Do you think it's possible, like... reviving the dead?" she questioned, earning a nod from Jinghua. "Yes, I'm even thinking the same as well," she answered. 'It can revive anything... which was used and destroyed. If that's a case, we have to be careful before everyone reacts negatively,' Sui-Feng mentally spoke, the war is not yet to be finished. "That's how it works, the concept of Philosopher's Stone is granting the user's wishes and desires without a question. But, it might risk another... awakening for my master's sake."

"Exactly, my father warned me about the Dark Dragon that appears and attacked Zianxi city ten years ago. I know I'm still a kid, but after that he instructed me to practice martial arts; because someone related to him is approaching. When the news that she's still alive came into my ears, I cannot waste anymore time. That's where I learn to be optimistic," Yiyang responded, remembering her self-image and personality. Naran continued, crossing his arms. "But the thing is, there are others who also wants to change our world. Our reality, or maybe... going to a distant world--desire, dreams... whatever it can do, they will use the stone until they manage to break free from their miserable life."

Meiying frowned to see Yinghua was keeping her mask filled with bright smiles, she glanced at Zilian who also worried before he sighed. "To be honest... our friend always look the same after she and her comrades were found dead on the boat, surrounded by their deceased friends when I got discovered by her. When it happened, Yinghua was... completely wrecked by the mere thought. The only way for her to confront her fear was to train harder, there is a lingering guilt."

The Emperor nodded, frowning as well. "It wouldn't be bad... to reborn in a modern world, because we have to shatter the stone into seven pieces in order to end all of this nonsense," he suggested, standing up and folding his arms. This caught Yiyang's attention, looking at him. "Do you think it has a major connection to our home world and the seal must remain to remain intact? The Philosopher's Stone is hidden underneath every buildings' ground before Xanadu become the chief country, if we smash it that means..."

"Look, we faced several enemies. The majority of them, wanting this shit so they become immortal. Eventually, everyone lost their connections to the heavens and the earth," Baiheng stated, everyone narrowed their eyes. "Let's call Yinghua here, we can't have her mourning everyday."

Baiheng's voice shouted and everyone nodding. In just a blink of an eye, Yinghua arrived at the Chief-Generals' Palace. Her expression still haven't changed. Everyone listen to Baiheng's speech, before they sat down. Yinghua knows that by now... they will do something risky; but for the sake of humanity. 'Shattering the Philosopher's Stone into seven shards... does that mean...' she thought, folding her arms. "--we'll be reborn in modern world once we shatter the stone into seven shards, our power will remain the same--so does our outfits here. Are we clear?" Baiheng assumed.

No matter what, their future decision will change their lives forever. And in that moment, Yinghua watched her friends are gathering in circle, even though Yunjiao didn't seem to look good after hearing about Fang's state, she felt jealous of Yinghua who have been Fang's dearest after all. It isn't easy to overcome a shattered heart, but no one to blame. Even Lingshan can remember many things... it's not the end yet. "Yinghua, I..." Yunjiao grumbled, didn't get to finish. Yinghua glanced at her, her gaze didn't change nor move. In silence, the princess looks as if she has trouble articulating her words.

"I'm sorry about Fang. But--"

Yinghua shook her head, smiling sadly. "It's okay, it's not your fault... everything will be alright," she said. Unable to say any more, Meiying simply touched Yunjiao's hand, offering silent support. Both of the two have known each other, and has a certain bond deep down. But to have Yinghua suffer by the loss of her beloved and dearest person, she couldn't imagine the pain. "No, you don't understand. I... I WAS THE ONE WHO MADE YOUR LIFE TO HELL! IT ISN'T OKAY!" the woman shrieked with an angry rage within her.

Everyone who heard those words cannot believe the way Yunjiao act, it made her realized and wide-eyed for yelling. Did her broken-heart made her say that or...? "Are you being serious, Yunjiao?" Yinghua whispered, just to make sure about her accusation that all leads back to herself. "I was working together... with Chief-Commander Zihao, I was the one behind his demise. I hate you so much... that's why..." she admitted, her hand trembling. That's why Fang defended her whenever she get hurt, while seeing how much she suffered... and her envy caused her own misfortune, Zihao manipulated her into putting her own anger into use, before betraying him and tricked him into using the Philosopher's Stone to ascend into what is called 'their empire.

The Chief-Generals were shocked even their friends at Yunjiao's revelation, that was the truth regarding Fang's sacrifice. No, this cannot be, Yinghua cannot accept it. Meiying, Lingshan, Mingyu, Meixiu and Yaoren remained silent, because none of the members of the Great Warriors were truly willing to join this game. She tried to take deep breaths, holding back her tears. To think, the main reason is Zihao using Yunjiao's trauma as part of his plan, this caused her such deep emotional wounds. She has only her own suffering and misery. Brought out that resentment, it caused more and more... this has to end. One way to heal, though painful and horrifying, is a way to open doors and walls, to allow love and friendship to come inside. Only the past cannot harm you anymore, only the present moment will only have an effect on your life.

"Yunjiao... do you realize what you did?"

Yinghua asked as she look down at her tightly clenched fist. On her face, there was sadness and sorrow. 'Yinghua's right... I should stop... but where should I start to undo this suffering and emotional scars? Is it too late to tell the truth... to say that I'm sorry?' the adult thought, giving her a cold glare and unclenched the fist. "Do you know how it feels to be Feihung, her older brother sacrificed himself! By the mere act of Zihao and his damned plans for eternity! Don't expect me to forgive you that easily, or next time... I'll make you experience a real pain. You don't see yourself as a true-blue person, and I will make sure your last sight will be... what the hell is up with that?!" Chifeng exclaimed furiously.

Yunjiao clenched her fists, growling as she was about to attack Meiying until her arm was caught by Yinghua's arm and flipped down to the cold floor; shocked by her actions. "Don't do this, Yunjiao... I won't let anyone even if they say something negative behind our backs! Have you realize the pain, you suffered and the mistakes?! Because I know..." she turned around to face her friends, her eyes filled with determination and kindness. They will stand up and keep her strength inside her heart from reaching the light and protecting her friends no matter what happens. Yinghua knew that it isn't worth it anymore. "...you were just doing a foolish actions in the first place, from all you did because of your jealousy. I should think this through about Zihao manipulating your emotions, and I always forgive you no matter how many times you did it in the past, but now... this is it."

"Give me the Philosopher's Stone! I NEED IT NOW!"

'She's going to absorb the stone? Then again, by the thought it possesses the dangerous energy she told,' Meixiu wondered, closing her eyes and looking away. Yunjiao was right, even she tried to tell the truth but no one even believe in her. Just one chance, could she pull it off and repent for her misdeeds? Yukong watch Meiying took the stone and slammed to the ground, cracking the black-red sphere into seven shards as Sui-Feng, Baiheng, Jinghua, Jingshen, Ruqian, Yukong and Chifeng capture each shards--everything around them becoming light which shining like stars and scattered across the galaxy. That very moment, Yunjiao knelt down onto the ground, the painful memories replayed once more within her mind... slowly reforming the stone into a blood color.

Even though the magic effects of the Stone have been sealed, the shards will combine whenever someone who have absorbed the powers will recreate the same gem. "No, don't let her touch the shard!" Yukong warned, but was too late, as Yunjiao managed to find her goal. Surging from the darkness, came a frightening aura, a mix between dark-element and death element. A glowing red evil eye inside a void filled with thousands of souls, Yunjiao's fingers caress the chalice of a dark-crimson blood. However, she was slain by Yang who use his sword to stab her down. In an instant, they were all vanishing while Yunjiao didn't have a chance to grab the stone and everyone's fading away until the darkness came into her, her mouth and eye turned crimson red as she was stabbed from behind.

_"You were nothing more than a criminal, I know that."_

One male voice whispered and the crystal began turning pure white and it created a huge blast of power! The former Chief-Generals were vanishing completely, feeling the bright and welcoming light coming to their soul. Before their world is gone, all they could see was a shining star... in the sky.

Their journey is not over yet.

--------------------------------------PAST YEARS-------------------------------------

Yinghua was swinging on the tree branch using a ladder with a smile on her face as Fang climbed up, soon was sitting on the other end. The parents were able to witness their children having a great times without any conflicts, there is a beautiful scenery around them which made the people enjoy the life of theirs without worrying or panicking on the attack or ambushes. "Hey, right here!" Yang--one of their childhood friends shouted happily, Yaoren face-palmed and Meixiu smiled awkwardly. "Why did he do that?" Lingshan can't hold her laugh and Yaoren who got hit by his fist, can't do anything but stand up and return back the punch.

Fang held his tiny hand, watching her sitting opposite of him. If he ever feels uncomfortable, even his father's encouragement won't change his life. But, seeing Yinghua smiles and enjoying her everyday with the world where every joyful was allowed to make her free... that's more than what Fang asked. Yinghua knew, it's too childish to show her good emotions. Until, somehow a gust of the wind blew and got a little shocked before letting out a gasp, blinking several times. Yunjiao growled like a kitten, taking a deep breath and looked down before her jaw dropped and landed on her butt. "Uwaaah!"

"Told you," Yang teased at the kids as they turned back, giggling as Yunjiao was glaring daggers at him. Luckily for her, Yinghua was willing to help her stand up and pulled herself and getting a grip back on the wooden ladder. The kids are having fun together, before Fang lost a balance and fell down along with Yinghua who was able to stop the fall, her eyes closed. While lying on the soft grass, the duo slowly opened their eyes and met their gazes, staring at each others. As the two having an eye-contact, they were blushing and felt different emotions; something that made them drawn to the closest to their hearts. "Eek! Sorry about that, Yinghua!" Fang yapped, immediately pushed himself away as both of them sit up straight and the others gawked their eyes.

--------------------------------------END OF PAST YEARS-------------------------------------

*ೃ༄