The Evil Lurking Inside (1/2)

The room was filled with a tense silence. Jiang Xicheng and Wei Liuxian sat facing each other, both fuming.

Wei Liuxian arms were crossed and Jiang Xicheng's hands were clenched into fists at his side. The lingering anger from their argument hung heavy in the air between them.

Neither one made a move for several moments as both seemed to come to terms with what had been said. The silence developed an oppressive weight. Finally, Wei Liuxian let out a heavy sigh and uncrossed his arms.

He met Jiang Xicheng's gaze and they shared a meaningful look. They both knew the argument was finished and it was time to move on. Slowly, they both started to relax. Jiang Xicheng cleared his throat and broke the silence. "So, where do we go from here?" He asked.

Wei Liuxian pursed his lips and considered his words for a beat. "We start again," he replied.

Jiang Xudong stayed silent, not daring to utter a word.

"Master Xicheng, these three boxes remain a mystery. However, attempting to open them would be ill-advised, for the key enchantments will start to dwindle with every object revealed inside!" Wei Liuxian stated.

''So what should we do? Sit here and keep staring at the boxes''. Jiang Xicheng said.

Wei Liuxian vehemently shook his head. ''Madam Wang would never put gold or money in such boxes! Just look at the dust around! It may be true that one box contains important papers, but those two boxes are highly suspicious! We just don't know which ones.''

''What is the purpose of having this good-for-nothing Jiang Xudong; what's he here for?'' demanded Jiang Xicheng.

Wei Liuxian's eyes glowed with determination. ''We will use Jiang Xudong's blood to build a barrier that will reveal the contents of the box!''

Jiang Xicheng sighed, ''Why Jiang Xudong when you were going to use blood?''

"He's Jiang's son," Wei Liuxian declared.

"Wei Liuxian, you insolent scoundrel!" Jiang Xicheng bellowed, rage glowing in his eyes. "I, too, am a Jiang! You could have used my blood!''

Wei Liuxian stated, "Master Xicheng, I have brought Jiang Xudong with me for two reasons: firstly, to perform the 'Blood Vision Technique'. Xudong's blood is necessary for this because my cultivation is not yet strong enough to do it alone so you would concentrate on the vision. Secondly, I will explain the second reason to you in due course."

The blood vision technique required the user to use their blood as a catalyst to momentarily peer into an object or area. By placing a drop of their blood onto the object or area, the user's vision will be able to locate the hidden inner workings or landscape of whatever they were seeing. However, the Blood Vision Technique required immense concentration, and the further away the intended subject the more difficult the technique becomes.

Jiang Xicheng silently grabbed Jiang Xudong's hand and took out his knife.

Wei Liuxian stopped him, ''Not his hand, make a small cut on his chest''.

This time Jiang Xicheng understood what Wei Liuxian meant; he would make the cut on Xudong's chest and with the healing ointment and some spiritual energy, the cut would be instantly closed leaving only a small scar.

Jiang Xicheng's frown deepened. He gritted his teeth, and with a firm yet authoritative voice, he said, "Wei Liuxian, get your supplies and take care of it now. Let's get this over with."

Wei Liuxian jumped to action, quickly setting up the healing materials on a stand next to Jiang Xudong. Then, taking a deep breath, took the sharp blade in hand.

Jiang Xicheng ripped off Jiang Xudong's outer robe with a fierce pull, then forced the inner shirt upwards to reveal his bare chest. Wei Liuxian swiftly made a precise incision, and the crimson liquid trickled from the wound.

Taking the blood into a small bottle, Wei Liuxian quickly cleaned the cut and put the ointment on Xudong's chest. With spiritual energy released on his chest, the cut instantly closed.

''Now, it's time to start the Blood Vision Technique," Wei Liuxian declared. "I will help you with the concentration needed to access the target.'' He then proceeded to use the droplets of Jiang Xudong's blood on the three mysterious boxes to break the password enchanting them.

After a few moments, the first box opened revealing its secrets: a few ancient manuscripts and letters from several different dynasties.

''Open it!'' Jiang Xicheng ordered.

Wei Liuxian used the golden key to open the box, the magical enchantments allowed the key to mould itself into the shape of the lock.

Jiang Xicheng and Wei Liuxian both looked at each other in surprise. With a mix of relief, awe, and disbelief, the two men glanced at the letters in their hands.

Wei Liuxian fixed her gaze on Jiang Xicheng and demanded, "So are these resources of any use to us?"

''Yes!'' Jiang Xicheng's eyes flashed with rage, his lips quivering. ''My brother was murdered for these papers!''

"Wei Liuxian," the voice snarled, "You remember the rule: if we take something out of this box, we must put something of equal weight back in!"

Jiang Xicheng withdrew blank letters and papers from his sleeves and unceremoniously thrust them into the chest. He then yanked out the documents that had previously been within. Hiding them away in his sleeves, it was the next two boxes' turn.

Wei Liuxian dropped some blood droplets onto the next box and Jiang Xicheng concentrated on the vision. This time he could sense something very evil, demonic possession.

Suddenly, Jiang Xudong felt a powerful but malicious presence emanating from the box. He backed away, his face ashen.

''What's wrong?'' Wei Liuxian asked, noticing Jiang Xicheng's backlit face.

''The box....'' Jiang Xicheng hesitated and gulped. ''The box has something evil lurking inside..." Jiang Xicheng's words echoed throughout the room as he trembled, his face pale with horror.