A kiss from the Devil

The path to the Lotus Flower Dew led them to the high mountaintops, where ancient legends whispered of a hidden cave shrouded by clouds. Zi Yin's body was still aching, his skin felt like it had been stripped raw. A wave of dizziness came over him again, but Zhan Sheng had his arm wrapped around his waist as they rode a magic beast through the clouds.

The Soul-siphoning chains were like anvils tied around his wrists.  Zi Yin could barely breathe past the agony, but he didn't dare show it. Zhan Sheng's magic beast tore through the clouds, the creature's sinewy muscles rippled beneath its dark, mottled skin, an eerie beauty emanating from its intimidating form. Its eyes glowed with an otherworldly light, reflecting the raw power it possessed.