Huh! Whose there?
The sounds of footsteps came from behind me.
"It's me… It's me…"
Hearing the voice, I paused. Shortly after, the figure hugged me.
"Please, take me with you."
He was the same fatty kid who woke me up moments ago.
I looked at his fearful face and decided to let him follow me. After all, he was the one who woke me up.
We walked through the bushes and the trees. The deeper we went, the more darkness strengthened, and even the moonlight wasn't visible anymore.
"Something… something, is there!"
Huh, I turned towards the direction Fatty pointed at, but there was nothing.
Suddenly, rustle of the leaves came from another side. We turned there again, nothing but trees.
"What… what are we going to do now? These demons have surrounded us."
I looked around, but I saw nothing, except trees and endless darkness.
"Aah… something touched my hands."
Stay silent, or before these demons, I will cut your tongue.
A sudden cold gust of wind hit my back. Shiver runs down my back.
"Some is behind us."
Fuck, you mfs.
I can't take it anymore; this emperor has limited patience.
I summoned the Origin fire, throwing it at my back. It hit the tree, illuminating the surrounding area as the tree burned down, but there was nothing.
Illuminating our figures in orange, giving complete contrast to the horrific darkness surrounding us.
Again, another gust of cold wind came from behind.
You want to play hide and seek, huh…
I will play too.
Haha…
I summoned multiple fireballs, throwing them at the surroundings. Burning down everything, which annoys me.
"You… you, are an immortal."
What, immortal, how dare you compare me with those losers?
"Forgive me, my lord."
He went on his knees, crying. Fuck, in these 5 years, I finally found a person who understands my divine self.
Haha…
Fire spread like a serpent dangling whatever came in its way. Turning into a massive dragon roaming the forest, touring through the darkness. Giving this deadly forest its last touch of horror.
"What… what are you doing? We will be burned together."
The fatty's face turned even paler, grabbing my wrist, begging me to stop.
What are you afraid of? Are you feeling suffocation or any discomfort from the fire?
"No"
Then just enjoy this emperor's myth.
Fire continues to strengthen with every passing second; it is becoming more dominant. Complete contrast to darkness, threatening it to retreat.
Loud cries came from all directions, giving life to this silent forest.
Suddenly, Little Black jumped into the fire. Followed by a horrific scream.
I looked in that direction, only to see Little Black come back walking through burning fire, his body remains completely untouched.
What the hell were you doing?
Woof! Woof!
He placed a green ball at my feet, barking with a smug expression, likely asking for praise.
Fuck you, here I am dealing with these demons, and you're thinking about playing.
Awo…
Stay here, don't run around. Let me teach these so-called demons the consciousness of messing with this emperor.
I picked the green ball, which was giving off a strange green glow.
System, what is it?
Host, this is a ghost core. Only found after killing a ghost who carries strong resentment at his death and has lived for more than a decade. But still, the chances of a ghost carrying a ghost core are very low.
Oh…
Host, ghost core formed from a concentration of resentment inside a ghost and…
Shut up, I just asked you what it is?
System…
Awo…
What?
I looked down, Little Black scratching my leg with his paws, his eyes stared at the green ball in my hand.
You want it. Here you go, but remember not to run away again.
I threw the ball at him and continued burning the forest, creating beautiful panting in orange and black.
Much… much…
A sound came from behind, and I saw that Mf Little Back munching down the green ball.
I quickly ran to him.
Hey, spit it up, you mf.
I picked him up, trying to make him spit out the pieces of the ball. But his mf didn't budge.
Awo… Awo…
Host, stop tossing him. The ghost core is completely digestible.
Oh, you should have told me earlier. I was worried in vain.
Awo…
Hey, system, do you know? Where did these ghosts take all the people?
Host, I can't help you find it yourself.
Woof! Woof!
What's now
Little Black braked while staring in a certain direction.
Huh, do you mean those demons have kept the people there?
Woof! Woof!
Little Black led the way forward as I followed behind.
We entered the burning fire, our bodies completely unaffected by the flames. I looked forward in the direction little black was moving. Following my gaze, a path of fire appeared leading through the darkness.
I was about to continue moving, but I turned my gaze to the fatty who was still standing there like a statue.
Hey, are you coming or not?
"But… but fire…"
What are you afraid of? In my presence, nothing can harm you.
Hearing my words, finally, he gathered some breath and stepped into the fire.
"Huh… I'm alive."
We continued moving, creating a fiery path amid the horrific darkness. As we walked forward, more and more screams and wails came. Unaffected by these distractions, finally, I saw something new.
A beautiful village lit up with emerald lanterns.
We walked out of flames. I didn't burn the village, but the flames continued to burn the forest behind. Giving off an otherworldly vibe compared to these emerald lights.
We entered the village, and a strange scenery appeared in front of us. Complete opposite to the darkness surrounding the forest, this village seemed to be filled with life.
There were kids playing around, and old men and women chatting with each other. The whole village seemed to be celebrating some kind of festival. While I was planning what to do with this village? A woman in a red robe approached us.
"Travellers, welcome to our small village. What kids like you are doing in this place at such a time?"
Who the hell are you calling kids? Lucky for you, I have something important to do, so I can't waste my time on you.
I ignored her and walked forward, but her voice again came.
"Then how should I address you? And if you tell me what important thing you have to do. I may be able to help you."
You can address me as… well, I have multiple names… You can call me emperor. As for helping, you are not qualified.
"Your majesty, why don't you tell me? Maybe I will be able to help you. I'm a local here."
Oh, really, my people have been kidnapped by the demon.
"Oh…"
Now fuck off, I have to save them.
"Your majesty, if you want, I can really help you save those people."
Huh…
"Our village has been in this forest for centuries; we are quite familiar with these demons."
Oh, if you can really save them, then do that. It will save a lot of trouble.
"Your majesty, I will quickly send village guards to find your people. Till then, why don't you join our festival? And bless our small village with your grace."
I will pass. I don't believe you.
The woman passed for a bit before again speaking
"Young master, this forest is large; it will take you some time to do it alone. Why don't you join the festival and relax while, in the meantime, we find your people?"
After thinking for a bit, I thought, If things can be done by others, why do it yourself?
I will accept your proposal.
She summoned a few guards, ordering them to find Aunt Zhi and others. Guards left the hearing after some details were spouted by Fatty.
"Your majesty, now that the guards have left, it will take them a few hours to find your people. Till then, why don't you join our small festival?"
Hm, lead the way.
The woman walked forward, while we followed behind.
We walk through streets lit by green lanterns, giving this place an otherworldly touch.
Fatty follows behind, his body still shaking, looking at him, I thought, reconsidering about taking him under my wings. And Little Black doesn't seem to like this village at all.
"Your Majesty, we are there."
I looked forward, my eyes widening at the sight in front of me.
A ground covered with threads, and the green lanterns illuminated the whole place. At the centre, a huge green fire was continuously burning, with people surrounding it. These people seemed to burn in green fire, but they don't seem to suffer; they seem to enjoy it. Dancing like a crazed demon.
While others seem to enjoy this bizarre dance.
What an amusing sight.
"What is that…"
Hey, stop screaming.
I looked in the direction fatty was pointing, and saw those green flames taking the shape of a head. Staring right at us.
"Mister, don't worry, this is part of the ritual, that is our ancestor's spirit who has protected our village for centuries."
Oh…
A strange sound was surrounding the place. I hadn't heard it before stepping into this place, like it exists only in this place, completely separate from the outside world.