Chapter 23

Ming Ying sips on her tea, staring at Hsien Lian, Chen Guo, and Fang Hai. Wei Shu smiled at them. It was crazy how the polar opposites were both celestials. But, it made some sense. "So you three are chasing a demon that has been taking over Tao Wu's temples and using ghosts to kill anyone that goes there. So why do you need us?" Ming Ying asked, holding the tea close to her mouth

"Uh…. well. We won't be able to locate whoever is in charge of all this. There are too many Tao Wu temples in China. It would be way too difficult. But, you guys can see everything. You guys have recorded everything going on in China. You must have all records of activity in Tao Wu's temples." Fang Hai explained, holding the tea cup lightly in his hand. "Of course we can do that. That's easy!"

Ming Ying stopped Wei Shu from going anywhere holding the other girl's hand. "We shouldn't associate ourselves in Godly affairs, Wei Shu. No matter who it is." Ming Ying muttered, making Wei Shu frown. "Really? Ugh, come on Ming Ying. This has to do with life or death, shouldn't we-'' Ming Ying shook her head. "We shouldn't." Wei Shu sighed, clasping her hands. She looked back at the three with a sad face.

"I'm sorry, we can't help you three. As much as we would love too. I hope you guys can find the demon." Wei Shu mumbled sadly, Ming Ying standing up from her seat. Still holding Wei Shu's hand, she pulls the other on and towards the door. That was it wasn't it. It would be impossible to go to all the temples, he has thousands of them. It would take years. They had to catch the culprit, and Hsien Lian wouldn't take no for an answer.

Hsien Lian stood up, gaining the two celestial's attention. "I'm sorry, but that does have to do with you. Thousands of years ago you put Tao Wu in charge as the King Of The Gods. We believe that it is not a demon, but instead one of Heaven's Deity. Specifically Tao Wu. If this keeps going on, then not only will the Human Realm fall, but also Heaven. And you two will be the ones to blame."

At first Wei Shu and Ming Ying just stared at him, not expecting such an outburst. But soon, Ming Ying softly smiled, humming. "Well, then. If Tao Wu is the god behind this, we mustn't wait." Wei Shu smiled, rushing back over to them and pulling on Chen Guo and Hsien Lian's arms.

Hsien Lian was allowed to be pulled, the celestial being pulling him and Chen Guo into a dark room. "Ming Ying. Lights please." See, the amazing thing about celestials, is that they can't control the elements. Fire, wind, water, they can't do that. But what they can do is create the existence of said elements. Celestials created everything, including themselves.

Ming Ying flicked on the lights, the entire room lighting up. Hsien Lian's eyes went instantly to the wall of books. It was like a fantasy library, filled with beautiful golden leather books, with papyrus paper. The rows of books filled the brim of the room, an infinite number. Dark, antique wood broke through on either side of a book. There wasn't a name, instead a number counting upwards from zero.

Dust floated through the air, glistening from the warm light. Ming Ying scans the book. "What date are you looking for?" Ming Ying asked. Wei Shu was already looking, even though she didn't know the date. "Are all these books real? How is that possible? Time goes on forever, so that means their infinite books?" Chen Guo held one in his hand. Wei Shu smiles happily.

"A book is only made when we ask for it."

Fang Hai hummed, the only one listening to Ming Ying. Hsien Lian was too busy staring at the books. They were stunning. Fully leather, smooth and sleek. "When was the last person that went missing at one of Tao Wu's temples?" Fang Hai asked, turning to Hsien Lian, as if he had an answer. "Uh….. a couple of weeks ago. December… Third, I believe." Hsien Lian answered, somewhat hesitantly.

Ming Yijng nodded, sliding her pale index finger along the leather spines, her nail painted a deep purple. She stops on one, pulling it from it's secure casing. "Time?" MIng Ying asked. Her voice was still bitter and harsh, a tone to it that seemed like she didn't like them. Hsien Lian didn't take it personally.

"The girl went missing at three a.m." Chen Guo answered quickly. Hsien Lian turned to Chen Guo, shocked that he could remember in such detail. "That was when I first found out. She was from East China, so I was one of the first gods to know." Chen Guo explained simply. Ming Ying scanned through the books, reading and tapping something.

"Would you three like to see what happened?" Ming Ying asked, holding the book stiffly in her hand. "Uh, I guess." Fang Hai mumbled. Wei Shu cheered happily. "Can I do it!" She asked Ming Ying, who only glanced at her before sighing. "Fine." Ming Ying mumbled, handing Wei Shu the big book. Wei Shu rolled her shoulders before shutting her eyes. "Close your eyes." She orders. So, all three men do.

And then they were gone.