Tang Dynasty: Inherit the Evil Sword Immortal and destroy gods and demons with one thought!
Chapter 26 - Gou Mang Awakens! The Earth Spirit Pearl Emerges!

Chapter 26: Gou Mang Awakens! The Earth Spirit Pearl Emerges!

North of Chang’an, deep within the Taiji Palace, lay a serene royal garden. Spanning vast grounds, its elegant design housed exotic flora, birds, fish, and insects, blooming vibrantly year-round, untouched by seasons. Li Shimin, known for frugality, rarely indulged in extravagance, yet this garden demanded immense resources and years to craft—a testament to its purpose.

Today, Li Shimin and the Eight Star Ministers entered, their steps brisk, bypassing the garden’s beauty for its heart. There stood an octagonal altar, entwined with verdant vines. The nine men’s faces grew solemn. “Fuji, begin,” Li Shimin commanded. Zhangsun Wuji and the others nodded, taking positions at the altar’s eight corners, each aligning with a trigram. Li Shimin stood at the center, voice grave: “Eight trigrams ignite the stars, yin and yang divide dusk and dawn, guided by the Purple Star Emperor, awaken the Ancestral God!”

Whoosh! The Eight Star Ministers unleashed torrents of stellar energy into the altar. Above Li Shimin, the Purple Star Emperor gleamed, casting deep violet rays. The altar shimmered, a green silhouette forming from starlight, resonating with the celestial star. Zhangsun Wuji’s eyes lit up. “Your Majesty, Gou Mang Ancestral God awakens!” Li Shimin’s tense expression softened. This garden was built to honour Gou Mang, and now, with the Ten Demon Kings spiralling beyond Tang’s grasp, only his power could avert disaster.

Buzz! The silhouette solidified into a youth in pale green robes, crowned with a sparrow coronet, a crimson-gold sash at his waist, exuding renewal like spring reviving withered wood. His presence infused the garden with vibrant green, an ancient aura washing over all. Gou Mang, supreme deity of antiquity, master of spring, could transform deserts into lush rainforests with a gesture. Li Shimin bowed. “Li Shimin greets Ancestral God Gou Mang.”

Gou Mang’s obsidian eyes met his. “Prince of Qin… now Human Emperor? Why summon me?” Li Shimin’s voice grew heavy. “Ten Demon Kings, guided by an unknown force, have surged in power, attaining immortal spirit beast forms, threatening Tang. I beseech your aid to quell these demons and restore peace.” Gou Mang mused, “Immortal spirit beasts…” The nine waited in silence.

His voice resounded, timeless. “Aeons have passed, the Heavenly Dao is boundless. I am of another era and cannot intervene.” Li Shimin’s heart sank. Was there no stopping the Demon Kings? But Gou Mang continued, “Yet, I can bestow my power to aid your demon-slaying quest.” Joy replaced despair. Gou Mang’s power was a godsend. Li Shimin asked, “Who shall bear your might?” Gou Mang closed his eyes, a primordial divine force radiating outward, sweeping from the garden through Chang’an and across the Central Plains. Moments later, he declared, “Wood Virtue Star, Li Zhi.”

In Yangzhou’s Xisha Ridge, a desolate wasteland stretched, barren of greenery, steeped in bleakness. For four days, Huang Mei Demon King scoured every inch, upturning the ridge in vain. “The Demon Ancestor’s guidance can’t be wrong. Where is this opportunity?” he muttered, scratching his brows in frustration. He sensed faint stirrings from other Demon Kings, signalling progress, while he stagnated. Among the Ten, Huang Mei was the weakest, desperate to seize this chance to rise, lest he lose his rank or chance to serve the Demon Ancestor.

Suddenly, a black flame flickered, delivering new guidance. Huang Mei’s eyes blazed with joy. “Thank you, Demon Ancestor!” he cried, diving into the earth. His faith unshaken, he clawed downward fifty li, hands raw and torn, until a crimson glow pierced the dark. A sea of molten lava roared, its core flames pulsing with the earth’s primal fury. At its heart hovered a dun-yellow pearl, radiating steadfast light.

Huang Mei’s mind reeled. “The Earth Spirit Pearl?!” He hadn’t dared dream the Demon Ancestor’s gift would lead to a Five Elements Pearl, a cosmic treasure embodying pure elemental force. Alongside Gold, Wood, Water, and Fire Spirit Pearls, it was a prize even the Heavenly Demon Emperor would crave. Huang Mei clutched his racing heart, feeling unworthy. Yet, the pearl beckoned from within a hellish inferno, its geocentric flames dwarfing mortal fire. To claim it, he’d brave the abyss.

“Risk it all!” Huang Mei snarled, baring sharp teeth, and hurled himself into the fire’s embrace. As he vanished into the blaze, Shu Mountain disciples, swords agleam, raced through Yangzhou’s skies above.