1 Chapter 001
[You are now reading the first chapter of Southern Blade Warfare, be sure to check me out on Instagram in order to get updates on the story and the character designs done by AI, @rex_novels]
In the heart of the decimated oriental city, amidst the crumbling ruins and the eerie glow of moonlight, Zhong Kui stood poised with his red chipped sword gripped tightly in his hand. His white spiky hair danced in the wind as his eyes emitted a purple glow, a testament to the power that coursed through his veins.
Facing him was his adversary, a figure cloaked in a red demon mask, his identity concealed beneath its ominous visage. With a brown ponytail swaying behind him and two gleaming black swords at the ready, he exuded an aura of menace.
The clash of steel rang out as the battle commenced, each combatant displaying feats of skill and prowess beyond mortal comprehension. Ghostly and demonic figures swirled around Zhong Kui, but with swift strikes of his blade, he dispatched them with ease, his movements a mesmerizing dance of death.
Suddenly, otherworldly chains erupted from the ground, ensnaring Zhong Kui and causing his crimson sword to slip from his grasp. Enraged, he unleashed a primal scream, shattering the chains with a shockwave of power. With lightning speed, he lunged for his sword, ready to deliver the final blow.
But before he could strike, a chain with a razor-sharp end impaled him, followed by another piercing through his foot. More chains emerged, binding him from different angles, rendering him immobilized.
As Zhong Kui struggled against his bindings, two identical figures emerged from the ground, their brown ponytails swaying as they donned red tattered shinobi outfits. With a sinister smirk, they controlled the chains with an eerie finesse, tightening their grip around Zhong Kui with each passing moment.
The masked adversary approached, his two black swords gleaming in the moonlight as he prepared to deliver the fatal blow. But Zhong Kui, undeterred, flashed a toothy smile, his eyes glowing with a newfound intensity.
With a surge of power, Zhong Kui unleashed a burst of purple energy that shot up into the sky, causing a giant rock to materialize and encase them within its confines. Trapped but defiant, Zhong Kui's indomitable spirit burned bright, a beacon of hope amidst the darkness of the ancient city.
[There was once a story about a world balancing between chaos and order. From a mysterious place called the Abyss came dark creatures like demons and restless spirits. To help keep things in balance, the gods gave humans special powers and weapons, making them Exorcists.
These Exorcists had different abilities: some were good with magic, some fought up close with special weapons, and some healed and protected others.
They had different titles like Novice, Elite, and Master, showing how skilled they were.
Among them were five very special Exorcists called Lieutenant Exorcists, which would be chosen every fifteen years, They were heroes known for their bravery and strength. Amongst the league of exorcists Zhong Kui, was a wise deity who helped the Exorcists fight the darkness.
But when he disappeared after a battle with the emperor, people felt a cold emptiness, as fear crept their way into the minds of people
Even though the Exorcists kept winning against the dark creatures, they missed Zhong Kui's guidance.
As time passed, people forgot about him and the legend faded away, becoming just a distant memory]
In the heart of rural China, nestled amidst mist-covered mountains and lush greenery, lay the serene village of Liangshan. The village was a picturesque haven, with traditional wooden houses adorned with red lanterns swaying gently in the breeze. Small stone paths wound through the village, leading to communal areas where villagers gathered to share stories and laughter.
On this fateful night, however, the tranquility of Liangshan was shattered by a dark and ominous presence. As the villagers slept peacefully, a deep rumbling echoed through the valley, causing windows to rattle and animals to stir uneasily.
The villagers awoke to chaos as the ground shook violently beneath their feet. Panic spread like wildfire as they stumbled out of their homes, their eyes widening in horror at the sight before them.
A colossal demon, towering over the tallest buildings, emerged from the shadows with eyes ablaze with malevolence. Its skin was as black as night, adorned with jagged spikes that protruded from its monstrous form. casting a shadow that engulfed the entire village in darkness.
The demon's roar echoed through the valley, sending shivers down the spines of all who heard it. Villagers scattered in all directions, seeking shelter wherever they could find it. Some fled into the surrounding forest, while others huddled together in the village square, hoping for salvation.
But the demon showed no mercy as it unleashed its fury upon Liangshan. With each swing of its mighty claws, buildings crumbled like sandcastles, sending debris flying in all directions. Flames erupted from its gaping maw, engulfing everything in its path in a searing inferno.
Amidst the chaos, a brave few stood their ground, wielding whatever weapons they could find in a desperate attempt to fend off the demonic invader.
But their efforts were in vain against such overwhelming power as they were either thrown like ragdolls or eaten alive,
In the midst of turmoil, a young woman ran into the muddy fringes of the forest.
Debris from the village hurtled through the trees, blocking her path and forcing her to divert her course.
Running as though her life depended on it, the soles of her feet throbbed from the relentless sprint. Eventually, exhaustion took its toll, and her legs buckled, sending her tumbling face first into the damp cold earth.
Groaning in pain, she lifted her head and was met with an astonishing sight.
Before her stood a young man with a distinctly delicate, almost feminine face, his piercing blue eyes locking onto hers. His black hair was packed into a ponytail, his expression was severe and stern. Clad in a full blue ninja outfit, he wielded two blue swords, one in each hand.
The woman could do nothing but gaze in awe, her cheeks fluttering as the young man hurled one of his swords at the monstrous entity back at the village.
The blade struck through, piercing the creature's left eye as it elicited a scream of excruciating pain.
In the blink of an eye, the man vanished, drawn instantly toward his sword, where he completed his grim task by ripping out the creature's eyeball from its socket,
Still in pain, the demon lunged towards the young man with ferocious rage, its massive claws slashing through the air,
The young man reacted with lightning speed, dodging and weaving between the creature's attacks with grace of a seasoned warrior, from afar the lady in the forest had taken a liking to the young man watching as he fought tirelessly. With each movement his swords danced through the air, striking the malevolent entity with precision.
The village echoed with the clash of steel against monstrous flesh as the young man relentlessly pressed his assault. The demon, already having fatal injuries on its body, fueled by rage unleashed waves of dark energy which the young man evaded, his movements fueled by determination and skill.
Despite the overwhelming odds the young man's resolve never faltered. With a final, decisive strike, he plunged both swords into the demon, unleashing a blinding burst of light that engulfed the village.
When the light finally faded, all that remained was the young man, his breath heavy but triumphant as he stood amidst the demon's already decomposing body as morning had reached. With a solemn nod, he sheathed his swords knowing that his duty was done.
The village people gathered round him showering him with praise and admiration, but he remained stoic, his expression unchanged by their adulation. Even the woman he had encountered in the forest couldn't hide her happiness, a warm blush coloring her cheeks as the wind gently tousled her soft black hair.
Among the crowd, another figure caught his attention - a young woman dressed in a striking red Chinese ninja oufit. Her brown hair was neatly tied back in a ponytail, and her dark eyes, typical of chinese descent, surveyed the scene with a calm intensity.
Catching the young man's gaze, she offered a respectful nod, which he returned in kind, acknowledging her presence with a silent understanding.
As the villagers toiled to reconstruct their ruined buildings, the young man and the brown-haired woman sat on a hillside next to the village. "Did you really have to arrive on such short notice, Yan Liu?" the man asked the woman beside him. Yan Liu looked at him with a gentle smile, "Come on, Zhou Lin, can't you at least be glad that your big sister is always here for you? We may not share blood, but you're still my responsibility," she replied. Zhou Lin simply sighed in response.
"But I did come for a reason," Yan Liu said. Despite his usual emotionless and stern demeanor, Zhou Lin felt a stir of curiosity. "Why?" he asked.
"Do you know the history of Zhong Kui?" Yan Liu asked, turning her gaze to Zhou Lin. He nodded, "Yes, I do," he responded, prompting Yan Liu to look back at the villagers working to rebuild their community. "I received word that you and I, along with a lieutenant exorcist, will be investigating his tomb. They've found an entrance," she continued.
"Well, that must be interesting," Zhou Lin replied casually. Yan Liu, hearing this, turned back to him with a look of concern. "What's the matter?" Zhou Lin asked, noting her expression.
""Zhou Lin, going into the tomb is your choice, and I urge you to think about stepping away from this mission," Yan Liu stated earnestly.
Zhou Lin simply gazed back at her, his expression betraying his bewilderment.
This simply marks the end of chapter 1
