18. First Meeting.

"From the moment you were awokened by his breath, your souls intertwined, transcending all disputes and enmity between you and him. Those conflicts are now relegated to the past, for now both your destinies rest firmly in your grasp."

"Only your blood possesses the power to manifest his mortal form, for your souls merged through your rebirth..."

Lu Shui Hua was rendered speechless, his legs losing all strength as they turned to jelly.

"The instant you acknowledge his presence, you embrace your fates, and in that acceptance, all barriers dissolve, for your blood serves as a solemn vow, awakening his mortal existence."

His gaze never wavered from Huo Nüshén's, tears welling up in his eyes. Words were inadequate to describe the emotions surging within him.

"I... I don't know what to say."

"Do you acknowledge him?" Huo Nüshén questioned, ready to commence the rituals as flames ignited in his eyes, engulfing the room in fervent heat.

Taking a deep breath, Lu Shui Hua closed his eyes, his mind reeling, unaccustomed to making decisions without fully comprehending their implications.

I...

I...

I acknowledge him, he finally voiced.

As soon as he declared his acceptance, the ground began to tremble, as if an earthquake was imminent. The room grew windy, swirling like a tempest forming right at its core.

"W-What is happening? W-What is this?" Lu Shui Hua called out to Huo Nüshén, who had transformed completely into flames, no longer touching the ground.

In an instant, something seized control of his body. He was no longer himself; his feet moved autonomously, leading him to the center of the room, where the whirlwind spun.

Stop.

He struggled to resist, but his efforts were in vain, as he was no longer in command. His feet seized before being propelled forward again, guided by the whirling wind.

Huo Nüshén's voice echoed like thunder as Lu Shui Hua stood at the heart of the ritual, shaking the very foundation.

"I invoke the powers that bind the Universe, I invoke the powers that bind the earth, and with this blood that seals this oath, I invoke the power of the universe... RISE."

In that very moment, Lu Shui Hua placed the knife between his palms and slid it gently, allowing droplets of blood to fall to the floor, sealing the ritual.

There was rumbling in the sky. The clouds bore lightening, rumbling thunders, and darkness surrounded the mountains as if something extraordinary rested there as the ritual took place.

And in the blink of an eye, everything returned to normal, as if nothing had occurred.

Huo Nüshén gradually descended to the floor, and Lu Shui Hua's palm, previously cut by the knife, bore no mark. The whirlwind ceased instantly, and the flickering candles and fiery aura emanating from Huo Nüshén vanished. Everything seemed ordinary, yet it was far from normal.

Everywhere was brighter and more tranquil than usual. An aura of peace and serenity pervaded the air, unsettling in its intensity.

Silence enveloped them.

Lu Shui Hua fixed his gaze on Huo Nüshén, who remained vigilant, his eyes scanning their surroundings as if searching for something. Restlessness and fear clouded his expression.

"Did it work?" he cautiously uttered, capturing Huo Nüshén's attention, still watchful of their surroundings.

"Stay still..." were the only words spoken, and Lu Shui Hua remained motionless, not even daring to take a breath.

Faintly, he began to hear the soft thumping sound, almost imperceptible.

~Thump~ ~Thump~

It was barely audible, a mere whisper in the air.

Where is it coming from? The source eluded him.

His heart rate at this point was immeasurable, for he could feel his lungs surrendering. G*d, why was he so tense? His hands quivered incessantly, an unknown tremor consuming him.

Slowly, and with a gentle grace, the sound grew louder, as if drawing closer to the room where they stood. His heart raced uncontrollably, its tempo matching the mounting anticipation.

And then, suddenly, it stopped.

"I don't hear anything. Where is he?" he asked curiously, seeking answers, but Huo Nüshén remained silent.

Before he could comprehend the unfolding mystery, he lost control of his body once again. His legs began to move of their own accord, compelled by an unseen force. He resisted, attempting to regain control, but his efforts proved futile.

In a swift, fluid motion, he found himself standing before the spiral stairs, and there, right before his very eyes, emerged the embodiment of elegance, the most captivating figure he had ever beheld.

He saw him.