Chapter 084: The Blood Moon Divine Pearl

Liu Li paused in surprise, then carefully examined every detail of the room once more before deciding to step forward and investigate.

"This room seems anything but simple..."

All along the way, the surroundings had been open and unadorned, plain as could be, without a hint of decoration. Yet this place seemed designed specifically for the red pearl, with certain ornaments and furnishings, and an unmistakable air of peculiarity throughout.

The crimson glow illuminated the entire chamber, casting light on every furnishing and architectural detail. The space itself was expansive and simply arranged, with only the pearl suspended in the center, shining with a dazzling, mysterious red.

An atmosphere of solemnity and sanctity pervaded the red light, filling all who entered with awe and apprehension.

"Such a miraculous red pearl—could there be a mechanism here?"

Liu Li tossed a scented sachet toward the center of the room, testing for traps or obstacles.

Nothing happened; all was calm, with no surprises.

Moments later, the sachet on the ground caught fire, incinerating instantly, leaving not even a wisp of smoke behind.

"Is there fire on the floor? Perhaps it's similar to those flames I encountered before. It shouldn't harm me. But this pearl—it's certainly strange, and must be the key to this place. I might as well take it before searching for the others; it could prove useful!"

Liu Li strolled forward, scanning his surroundings once more before cautiously approaching the red pearl.

The light shining upon his face radiated warmth that grew ever more intense the closer he drew, until he was drenched in sweat.

Two steps remained, but Liu Li could no longer endure the searing heat. He raised his folding fan and fanned himself vigorously.

Even in such stifling heat, his fan summoned a refreshing breeze, easing the oppressive air around him.

With a pleased smile, Liu Li thought to himself, "What a fine fan—I was right to trust you!"

He basked in the cool air, oblivious to any other presence, his attention fixed solely on the red pearl. He failed to notice any changes in his surroundings.

As he stepped into the crimson light, tongues of fierce fire surged from all directions, encircling him. Yet they halted at the boundary of the cooling breeze from his fan; without it, he would surely have perished in the flames.

At last, Liu Li seized the pearl, only to feel as if he had grabbed a blazing-hot iron straight from the forge. The scorching pain shot straight to his heart, his mind numbed by the overwhelming sensation.

It was like thrusting his hand into a pit of fire, or pressing it to an alchemist’s furnace—his grip fused to the burning stone, impossible to release. Blood seeped from his palm, the agony so great that he collapsed to the floor.

He could not remove it, nor throw it away; the pearl seemed possessed of a supernatural power, rooting him in place.

"What is happening?"

Liu Li was seized by terror and agony, his entire body ablaze with pain. In that moment, it felt as though every meridian in his body had been forced open—an experience even more startling and chaotic than when his master had once unlocked his potential.

"Ah—!"

With a cry, Liu Li endured until the red pearl’s light faded entirely, only then able to relax a little.

The pearl had transformed into a transparent orb streaked with blood-red veins; it no longer glowed, but retained a lustrous sheen, and the burning pain was gone.

Though his heart still fluttered with lingering fear, the pearl lay quietly in his hand, his skin untouched by pain. Calming himself with a deep breath, he sighed, "Thank goodness I found it first!"

He opened his hand, intending to inspect his wounds, but was astonished to find his palm completely unscathed.

Where was the blood that had just flowed? Where was the pain that had been so real?

No trace of blood on his clothes, nor on the ground—could it be...

He raised the pearl to his eyes. Within, fine threads of blood swirled in the transparent orb—so different from the colorless pearl he had first seen.

Had his blood merged with the pearl? Was that why he had been able to take it without harm?

Lost in thought, Liu Li caught a flash of silver light from outside out of the corner of his eye.

"Who’s there?"

He had barely risen to his feet when he saw two figures approaching.

"Your Majesty!" Gao Hai called, running up in alarm.

Liu Li lit up with joy at the sight of Gao Hai and Xue Ze. "You really are here!"

Xue Ze glanced around in surprise and asked, "What are you doing here?"

Liu Li chuckled foolishly, dodging the question. "Are you both unharmed?"

"We’re fine!" both replied.

Liu Li noticed Gao Hai's clothes were torn and bore scorch marks, and that Xue Ze looked exhausted—clearly, they had been trapped and fighting here for some time. "It’s obvious you—"

"Watch out!"

Xue Ze saw a fireball flash above Liu Li, about to strike him. She leapt forward and blocked the flames, immediately pulling Liu Li aside to dodge the next assault, then bringing him over to Gao Hai.

"You two go! I’ll hold him off!"

"How can I—?" Liu Li protested, but Gao Hai seized his arm, warning him how dangerous the place was.

Before he could finish, more flames rained down from above, only to be countered by Xue Ze’s ice magic. Fire and ice collided, transforming instantly into a downpour that flooded the floor.

"None of you will leave this place alive!" came a long, angry shout from a man. "Return my Blood Moon Divine Pearl! Or I’ll leave you all corpses!"

Xue Ze frowned and gave Liu Li a searching look, sensing the mysterious power emanating from him.

"Your divine pearl is in my hand—come and claim it if you dare!" she called toward the voice.

Liu Li was stunned, then saw flames hurtling toward Xue Ze. Heart pounding, he stepped forward, raised the pearl, and shouted, "The pearl is here with me—don’t be mistaken!"

Xue Ze looked at Liu Li, startled, and with a swift spell, teleported in front of him, trying to snatch the pearl from his grasp. Liu Li clutched it tightly. When Xue Ze touched his hand, she recoiled, amazed.

"Give the pearl to me, please!"

"No—what I’ve claimed, I’ll keep. I know how important this pearl is, and that it’s our enemy’s prized possession. You needn’t worry!"

Before Xue Ze could reply, she felt a burning heat at her back—a fireball was flying toward her.

Liu Li reacted first, pulling Xue Ze behind him to shield her. Gao Hai tried to rush to his side, but it was already too late.

The fireball struck Liu Li and exploded, enveloping them in a cloud of red smoke. Yet Liu Li’s body repelled the flames, a faint red halo flickering around him like a powerful magical shield.

Before anyone could react, a deep, pained male voice echoed from nearby. "You... you just wait!"

The flames vanished, the mist cleared, and calm returned to the chamber.

Seeing this, Xue Ze knew their adversary would flee, and tried to give chase, but Liu Li held her back.

She felt warmth on her wrist and turned to see him, pale and feverish.

"What’s wrong?" she knelt beside him. Liu Li still gripped the pearl, but his eyes were closed. Awkwardly, she pried his fingers loose and began casting a spell to soothe the strange heat surging through him.

Soon, Liu Li’s breathing steadied and he opened his eyes, though he remained weak.

"Miss, what’s wrong with His Majesty? Will he be alright?" Gao Hai asked anxiously.

"Don’t worry, he’s only been struck by a powerful force. That man’s fire is extraordinary, and my own magic could barely withstand it. Since the young master has taken his magic treasure, he could easily repel him."

Gao Hai was bewildered. "What exactly is this pearl? Why is it so formidable? His Majesty has no spiritual roots, yet defeated him so easily?"

"I’m not sure of the details, but the pearl is a fiery, masculine object that complements that man’s magic. It seems the young master has already established a connection with it—that’s how he gained such power..."

"What do you mean?"

"The Blood Moon Divine Pearl can be used to master powerful skills, or as a protective treasure. That man likely relied on it for cultivation, intending to keep it as his own. The pearl in the young master’s hand is no longer pure and clear—it is tinged with blood, which must be his own. In moments of peril, it can shield its owner. The young master isn’t used to such things, which is why he feels weak and unwell."

"So... this is a good thing? There’s no need to fear any backlash?"

Xue Ze nodded, relieved. She thought, "Thank goodness we discovered the anomaly at Azure Bird Lake early—if we’d been late, no one could have stood against that man with the Blood Moon Divine Pearl! But how did he manage to seize the pearl so cleverly? That act may have saved our lives!"

"What are you thinking?" Gao Hai asked.

"Oh—nothing!" Xue Ze replied, pulling herself together to answer Gao Hai’s question. "That man lured us here hoping to use the pearl to defeat us. Fortunately, the young master got there first and took it. But though we’ve beaten him for now, who knows what he’ll try next. As for the pearl’s power, I still don’t fully understand it—I’ll need to consult my master..."

Seeing the concern on Xue Ze and Gao Hai’s faces, Liu Li smiled calmly and said reassuringly, "It’s alright, I’m not worried! We shouldn’t linger here—let’s leave at once!"

"You’re right—you’re both injured. Let me summon my artifact to get us out of here directly!"

Liu Li coughed softly and asked quietly, "Are you alright? Do you have the strength to control your artifact?"

"I’ll be fine, don’t worry!" Xue Ze glanced at Gao Hai. "Support His Majesty and stand back! The Blood Moon Divine Pearl and the Tianshan artifact clash—it might cause some discomfort..."

Gao Hai nodded, helping Liu Li to a corner. "Please, go ahead!"

"Very well!" Xue Ze said, summoning her ice needle.

She cast a careful glance at Liu Li, noting no adverse effects, and began channeling her magic into the artifact, intending to enlarge it for teleportation. But unexpectedly, it would not obey, darting straight for the door instead.

"What’s happening?" Xue Ze wondered aloud, when a flash of silver outside caught her eye. She turned pale. "No—someone else is here! Quick, hide!"