Note: thank you so much for the castle @Coby_ Barrett
–
Mountain Desert of Spirit World…
The sun blazed mercilessly over the endless expanse of the mountain desert. Jagged peaks rose like the teeth of an ancient beast, encircling valleys of barren sand and lifeless stone.
Mohini, the seventh witch, and Fatty Ben stood atop a rocky plateau, facing a horde of smelly beasts—a fusion of wolf and boar with dripping fangs and eyes glowing with malevolent hunger.
“Hey Fatty, if we don’t make it out alive, I want you to know—this is all your fault!” Lambu shouted, hurling a bolt of violet energy at one of the charging beasts.
“Madam, how could this be my fault?” Fatty Ben yelped, his rotund form awkwardly dodging an attack. “It was you who called the Devaria patriarch an ‘old goat with an ego bigger than his belly! Why did your pet accusing me!'”
“I said because he is an old goat!” Mohini snapped, smacking her pet serpent beast, Lambu.
Lambu immediately coiled protectively around her, its scales shimmering like molten gold.
“Master,” Lambu hissed in his deep, rumbling voice, “these smelly beasts offend my delicate senses. Shall I crush them?”
“Yes, stop complaining and do something useful! These evolved beasts are lot stronger than anticipated.” Mohini commanded.
Lambu uncoiled with a theatrical sigh, his massive body slamming into the beasts. “You know, Master, I was born to glide majestically through the skies, not roll around in dirt fighting smelly creatures.”
“Lambu, less talking, more biting!”
Fatty Ben, meanwhile, was fumbling with a talisman. “Madam, this one will work, I promise!”
“You said that last time, Ben!” Mohini growled, deflecting a beast that lunged at her.
This time, however, the talisman activated with a burst of light, creating a barrier around them. The smelly beasts howled in frustration, circling outside the glowing dome.
Fatty Ben beamed. “Madam, I told you, I have my treasures!”
“Don’t get relaxed. This barrier won’t last long,” she warned, glancing at Lambu. “Lambu, take us up. We need to find a way out of this cursed place!”
The serpent beast grumbled but obeyed, wrapping his massive coils around them and lifting off into the air. “Master, if I die from exhaustion, please tell my story to the heavens,” Lambu said melodramatically.
“You’re not dying, idiot. Just fly higher!”
As they ascended, the true vastness of the mountain desert revealed itself. Peaks stretched endlessly, their jagged forms fading into the horizon. Below, the beasts continued to howl, their glowing eyes piercing through the dust storm that had begun to rise.
Mohini scanned the landscape desperately. “Still nothing! Just more mountains! How are we supposed to find a way out of here?”
Fatty Ben, clinging tightly to Lambu, muttered, “Madam, are you sure we’re not going in circles again?”
Lambu chimed in, “Master, it does feel like we’re just flying in a big loop. Perhaps you should consider a better navigator than your overfed companion.”
“Hey!” Fatty Ben protested.
“Shut up, both of you!” Mohini snapped, rubbing her temples. “We’ll figure it out. Focus.”
As the storm intensified, they were forced to descend. Landing in a narrow valley, Mohini slumped against a rock, exhaustion etched across her face.
Fatty Ben sat beside her, panting. “Madam, how long do you think we’ll survive like this?”
“As long as it takes,” Mohini replied resolutely. “The Devaria patriarch may have thrown us out, but I’ll find a way to return stronger than ever.”
Lambu curled up nearby, his voice tinged with sarcasm. “Master, if the smell of those beasts doesn’t kill us, the heat will.”
Mohini threw a pebble at him. “Quiet… Let me think.”
—
Sanctuary of 7 eternal Sages…
Meanwhile, in the sanctuary of the eternal sages, Kent sat in Sage Paras’s personal hut. The air inside was serene, filled with the faint scent of incense.
Paras, his aged hands glowing faintly with power, placed a portion of Yaga energy into Kent’s hands.
“This energy is the culmination of countless sacrifices and prayers. Use it wisely, Kent. It is both a gift and a responsibility.”
Kent nodded, feeling the energy settle within him like a small, radiant sun. “Thank you, Sage Paras. I will not waste it.”
Paras studied Kent for a long moment before speaking again. “There is a place you must visit—the Shrine of Nine Lives.
It is a sacred site where the tantric sages dwell. There, you will find wisdom about the essence of life and the ultimate goal of a supreme cultivator.”
Kent furrowed his brow. “Can’t you teach me that here?”
Paras shook his head. “I will only confuse you more. Knowledge gained incompletely can be more of a burden than a boon. The shrine will help you understand what it means to choose a path.”
“I need to visit the desolate desert before reaching any other place.” Kent replied in a resolute tone.
The fire god daughter said there is something in desolate desert which might be useful for the evolution of the dragon. That’s the decided to visit the desolate desert even though it is dangerous.
Paras frowned. “You should stop now. The mountain desert feeds into the desolate desert. It’s a land of extremes—scorching heat by day, freezing cold by night. If you choose to go, you must stay vigilant. Danger lurks in every shadow.” Your journey continues on My Virtual Library Empire
“I’ve made my decision,” Kent said firmly. “I’ll go to the desolate desert first.”
Paras sighed but nodded. “Very well. I’ll give you the location.” He handed Kent a map from his spirit ring. “Remember, the desert is unforgiving. Trust your instincts and move swiftly.”
As Kent prepared to leave the sanctuary, Paras stopped him one last time.
“There’s something else you should know,” the sage said. “The Demon Emperor is aware of your actions. He will not let the death of his son go unanswered. His forces will be hunting you.”
Kent’s eyes narrowed. “I’ll deal with them if they come.”
Paras placed a hand on Kent’s shoulder. “Do not underestimate him. The Demon Emperor is cunning and powerful, and his underlings are relentless. If you encounter them, do not engage unless absolutely necessary. Move quickly and in stealth.”
“I understand,” Kent replied in a calm tone.
With that, he set off, the weight of Paras’s warnings pressing heavy on his mind.