The Underworld Shadow Guard (4)

Within the Netherfire Barrier, a chilling wind swept across the earth, and faint white flames flickered upon the desolate ground. Nüluo looked closely, only to discover that these were white flames, flames devoid of any warmth. She had never beheld such a sight before. Clusters of tiny white sparks stretched far into the distance. That there should exist white flames in this world, that there could be fire without heat—everything here was far from ordinary.

The tiny sparks shimmered with a feeble yet undying light. Nüluo walked with care, wary of stepping on any of the flames, her instincts telling her these seemingly fragile sparks were connected to something greater.

The space within the barrier seemed to extend infinitely, the boundless land exuding a cold and desolate aura. Where was the Netherfire? She could neither find it nor see it, and the chill beneath her feet seeped gradually into her heart. Though she had summoned a protective barrier, it could not wholly keep out the cold slowly infiltrating her body.

Despite her caution, she inevitably stepped on one of the flames.

"Ouch!" the spark cried out in surprise. It was alive. This realization was far beyond Nüluo's imagination. The other sparks, hearing its startled cry, began to flicker desperately, as though lamenting her transgression.

Though Nüluo felt guilty, she did not halt her steps. So far, she had found no trace of the Netherfire.

As the little spark cried out, a faint breath sounded in the air. "Who is it?" Nüluo glanced around, but saw nothing. The voice seemed disturbed in its slumber—had she disrupted its rest? Could this be the guardian of the Netherfire Barrier?

Screams, breathing—this strange and enchanted world was transforming at every moment. What did these sparks signify? Were they manifestations of nameless spirits?

In the Underworld, only wandering souls came to mind. The gods of this realm would hardly appear in such a guise to await her.

Nüluo moved forward, and the spark she had stepped upon followed her. As it moved, it continued to wail, seemingly in true agony.

"Surely I didn't step that hard?" Nüluo thought, but she could not make it cease its cries. Then she reconsidered—perhaps it had another motive.

She realized with growing surprise that the mysterious breathing was drawing closer. She stopped. The wailing spark halted with her. A figure emerged before her.

It was as though life itself had been nurtured by the very essence of heaven and earth, awakening with unmatched majesty. Nüluo's arrival had disturbed his rest, rousing him from his slumber. With his back to her, he slowly sat up.

Even turned away, Nüluo could sense his towering stature. That silhouette seemed at once directly in front of her and yet impossibly distant, a formless power shrouding his presence, intensifying his aura of mystery.

The little spark leapt onto his shoulder, still shrieking. Nüluo found it almost unbearable—how could the spark not tire? Its cries rose and fell, while the figure inclined his head slightly, as if listening.

He began to turn. Nüluo instinctively stepped back—a fierce, overwhelming aura pressed upon her, and only retreat could alleviate the force.

She touched her own cheek. In that instant, she had felt countless invisible blades slashing toward her. Her face burned with pain. "How it stings!"

As the figure slowly faced her, the deliberate motion made Nüluo's heart nearly stop. She stared, unblinking, at this mysterious and formidable being. His stature was indeed immense, making her feel insignificant in comparison.

Unable to resist, Nüluo raised her head to gaze up at him.

As he turned, he opened his eyes. Had he been resting with them closed all this time?

The moment she saw those eyes, Nüluo squeezed her own shut. She could not withstand such dazzling brilliance—a meteor streaking across the night sky, releasing the most radiant light, burning away all else in a single, breathtaking flash. Beneath this brilliance, all other colors faded, every light eclipsed.

As she closed her eyes, she felt her heart tremble violently, an unseen blade piercing straight through her chest. For a moment, her breath, her thoughts, her very life were stilled. Only after a long while did she dare to open her eyes again.

Slowly, Nüluo lifted her head and forced her eyes open, finally able to endure the blinding gaze. This simple act had exhausted her strength.

She looked at him, at his strikingly handsome face, marveling in her heart. The mysterious Netherworld, a realm steeped in death, could still produce such unimaginable beauty. His features rivaled even her first encounter with the King of the Underworld—a masterpiece of creation, flawless in every detail. Only, he was cold, as if carved from ice, perfectly suited to this barrier’s temperament. He regarded Nüluo expressionlessly. On his shoulder, the spark she had stepped on at last fell silent, flickering as if conveying a message.

Nüluo did not attempt to guess its meaning. She was more astonished that this being had not slain her outright. He merely stared at her, as if she were beneath his notice, her strength too paltry to even consider. This realization brought a bitter smile to her lips—she was, indeed, insignificant.

"Who are you? Why have you trespassed within the barrier? Do you not know that trespassers here face utter annihilation of body and soul?" His voice was as cold and lifeless as the barrier itself.

Yet Nüluo heard an opening—he had allowed her a chance. If he had meant to destroy her, he would have done so already, not paused to let her speak.

"Forgive me for disturbing your rest," Nüluo said, bowing deeply. "I am Nüluo, Goddess of the Earth, come in search of the Netherfire. I beg your favor."

If he was truly the sole guardian of the Netherfire Barrier, her addressing him as elder was not amiss; his age likely dwarfed her own, and true strength demanded due respect.

At her words, he seemed to recall something. "Goddess of the Earth... the Earth lineage?" he murmured, repeating the title.

His thoughtful expression confirmed her guess—the Earth lineage had left a deep impression on him, enough to be remembered.

Nüluo continued, "The Sacred Fire at the heart of the mortal world has suddenly gone out. I seek the power of the Netherfire."

"What? The Sacred Fire has gone out? And you, as Earth Goddess, have proven so powerless!" His sudden fury stung, and Nüluo felt wronged—she did not know why these events had transpired. Yet no matter her confusion, the deed was done. Now was not the time to question its cause but to relight the Sacred Fire; all else could wait.

Though the rebuke pained her, Nüluo accepted it fully. It was her failure that had led to such devastation in the human world. No matter the accusations, she must bear them.

"It was my dereliction of duty," Nüluo said again, bowing low. Whatever his true feelings, his anger could be seen as concern—indifference would not provoke such a response.

She thought back to her journey to the Divine Realm, the coldness of the gods, the obstruction by Leiling. Her heart chilled at the memory. When the gods did nothing despite the crisis, what could their motive be? Should they not have united to overcome the catastrophe? Everything was beyond her imagining, yet oddly logical. If this was all true, what was their plot?

Nüluo pushed these thoughts aside, focusing on him, awaiting his answer.

She sensed the barrier’s pervasive power, aware that without his consent, she could not find the Netherfire. There was not a single trace of it here—where was it, and what did it look like?

The barrier’s power was overwhelming; if she tried to force her way, she would lose her path entirely. Her only hope was his approval, or at the very least, some guidance. She sensed he bore her no malice—not enough to reject her outright.

He remained silent, his brilliant eyes fixed on Nüluo. All was still.

Standing before him, Nüluo looked up. His figure loomed, blocking her view. They stood thus, gazes locked.

Her expression was calm—her identity and purpose now declared. All she could do now was wait. Even if he agreed, she would have to prove her worth; begging would achieve nothing. All she could do was wait quietly for a perfect outcome—or perhaps...

He gazed at Nüluo, and in her peaceful eyes saw not pleading but yearning. A true warrior does not beg for the Netherfire, but attains it by strength.

As he looked upon her small but powerful figure, another image flickered in his mind—the memory of a presence that had once shaken him to his core. Some unseen force seemed to draw the Earth lineage here once more.

—End—

A note: The New Year is here! Wishing everyone a joyful Spring Festival and swift success!