Chapter 1424: Heartfelt Reunion
In the mystique realm, the restrictions of time had been lifted, allowing everything within it to flow more naturally now. As Zhao Li Xin’s power continued to grow, the mystique realm itself had expanded once again.
Where there had once been only the manor and its immediate surroundings, there now stretched a vast and ethereal white bamboo forest and a serene lake that shimmered like glass under the pale light.
The scenery was breathtakingly beautiful—almost otherworldly in its perfection. Yet, to any observer who looked more closely, a subtle, unsettling strangeness lingered. The air was still and unnervingly silent, devoid of the usual sounds of life: no chirping birds, no buzzing insects, no rustle of creatures moving through the underbrush. It was as if the realm, for all its beauty, existed in a state of lifeless suspension.
Seated in the pavilion by the tranquil lake, Zhao Li Xin’s expression was unreadable, though his exquisitely arched brows were furrowed in deep concentration. Resting in his palm was a grotesque object—a small, black seed no larger than his hand, its surface laced with glowing greenish veins that pulsed faintly like a beating heart. The sight of it was enough to make one’s skin crawl.
[What a disgusting creature, master...] a voice spoke suddenly. A flicker of flame materialized at Zhao Li Xin’s side—the fire spirit, its form wreathed in dancing embers. [How could you touch something so vile?] the spirit’s tone carried both revulsion and worry.
Without replying, Zhao Li Xin drew out a small silver box, its surface engraved with intricate symbols of array. With practiced precision, he placed the pulsing seed inside and slid the lid shut. As soon as it closed, the carvings on the lid came alive, glowing faintly as they shifted and spiraled, locking the box with a tight formation.
This was no ordinary container—it was a specially crafted vessel designed to seal away dangerous or precious items. Only Zhao Li Xin himself possessed the ability to unravel the formation and open it again.
[This thing... more interesting than I thought,] he smirk, but his sharp eyes flickering with a trace of hidden disgust.
Rising to his feet, he strode to the edge of the lake. Kneeling slightly, he dipped his hands into the cool, pristine water, washing them carefully as though to cleanse the lingering taint of the seed’s foul energy. Ripples spread across the still surface, warping his reflection before it settled once more into glassy stillness.
[Master, is it part of that thing they call Zalchana?] the fire spirit asked curiously, its voice crackling like embers.
[It is,] Zhao Li Xin replied, his tone low and measured. [I sensed the same strange power when I fought the Paladin. I was certain it comes from the same source...but this one is different.]