The Heir of the Celestial Diagram

Chapter 57: The Secret of the Dark Soul

Han Feng stood at the foot of the huge stone door, before which stood exploit the magical seals that covered it. The faint white glows from the ancient runes flickered, as if they were about to be extinguished. Something inside the temple was attempting to burst free. The Hidden Presence The faint noise that had echoed earlier intensified. Soft footsteps echoed down the corridor behind him. Han Feng spun on his heels, activating his Celestial Veil Art to conceal his presence. He watched attentively as a hooded figure emerged from the shadows. The stranger walked slowly, his breath controlled. When he reached the door, he removed his hood, revealing a pale face and dark eyes. Han Feng noticed the spectral energy flowing around him. — Finally, the seal is weak enough… — murmured the stranger, extending his hands to touch the runes on the door. Han Feng narrowed his eyes. It was evident that that man knew more about the temple than he did. In a furtive movement, he moved a little closer to listen better. — The Bai Clan may have given up, but I haven't... This is the chance I have waited for so many years… — whispered the man, pressing an amulet against the door. The spiritual seal shone intensely before shattering like broken glass. A wave of black energy exploded outward, filling the environment with an intense cold. The Revelation of the Temple The door opened slowly, revealing a shadowy hall studded with demonic statues. Dark and pulsating, a black orb rested on an ancient altar in the middle. The stranger took a step ahead, completely fascinated by the sight before him. Han Feng could no longer stand idly by. The blink of an eye placed him behind the man with his black flame blade pressed against his throat. Who are you?" asked Han Feng, low and threatening. The man froze for a moment, but then smiled, showing no fear. — My name is Bai Zhen. I am a distant descendant of the Bai Clan... and this temple belongs to my lineage. — He glanced at Han Feng. — And you... are an intruder. Han Feng did not back down. The sparkle in Bai Zhen's eyes indicated that he was hiding something. — If this temple were truly yours, you wouldn't need to break the seal — retorted Han Feng. Bai Zhen smiled softly. — Smart. But the question now is: are you ready to face what we have awakened? — he said, pointing to the black orb. The artifact began to pulse stronger, and cracks appeared on its surface. Han Feng felt an ancestral force emerging from it. The Oracle of the Dark Soul The orb unpacked and dispersed vast black mist in the hall. From out of a shadow,an ethereal being emerged, ever-swelling between material and immaterial form. Red eyes blinked glaringly from themist. — Who... dares... to unseal me? — the voice rasped like thunder, full of rage and bitterness. Bai Zhen recoiled slightly, while Han Feng stood firm. His body radiated black flames, preparing for any attack. — This energy... — murmured Han Feng, feeling the pressure increase. — This spirit... no longer belongs to the world of the living. The spirit laughed, its distorted voice reverberating through the hall. — He who masters my essence will inherit the true power of the Dark Soul… But will they be able to pay the price? — The entity lunged at the two, initiating a new test for those who dared to enter the forbidden temple.