The Mò: Zhilong

As the survivors beheld, a colossal demon emerged from the distance, its gargantuan strides causing the earth to tremble beneath their feet. The ground shook with a deafening crash, announcing the demon's deliberate approach. Atop the demon's shoulder, a youthful figure with an androgynous appearance sat poised, exuding an aura of nonchalance.

Without warning, a sword sliced through the air with the swiftness of lightning, aimed squarely at the young man. However, with an agility that belied his tranquil demeanor, the youth dodged the attack with ease, rolling multiple times across the demon's shoulder before landing with effortless grace.

A sly smile spread across the young man's face as he addressed the sword's wielder. "I would advise against such rash actions, Zhang Wei." Zhang Wei alighted upon the worn, crumbling roof of a nearby structure, his countenance twisted in a scowl.

Zhilong, the young man, seemed to relish the tension, his smile unwavering. Zhang Wei's voice was laced with a mixture of annoyance and curiosity. "What purpose brings you to the Realm of Void, Zhilong?"

Zhilong's smile was a masterful blend of malevolence and benevolence as he revealed his intentions. "I must confess, Zhang Wei, the allure of a delectable bloodline drew me to this realm. Rumors of a prince's banishment to the Realm of Void piqued my interest, and I am delighted to have followed the scent." His words dripped with sinister intent, yet a hint of warmth lingered beneath the surface.

Zhang Wei's vigilance remained unwavering as he inquired, "Why have you brought a demon of this magnitude to the Realm of Void?" Zhilong's response was laced with a hint of mischief. "What else could a blind man such as myself possibly require, Zhang Wei? My Mò shall guide me through this realm."

A fleeting glimmer of malevolence danced across Zhilong's face before he masked it with a charming smile. "You see, Ivy values her independence above all else." Zhang Wei's expression turned skeptical. "Ivy? I am unfamiliar with this individual. Nevertheless, today marks the day I shall vanquish you, Zhilong."

As Zhang Wei spoke, hundreds of swords materialized behind him, their presence a testament to his formidable prowess. Zhilong's demeanor remained unruffled. "I have not come for you, Zhang Wei. Pray, step aside." His words were tinged with an air of cold detachment.

In the blink if an eye, a colossal white snake burst forth, it's massive body propelling itself forward with incredible force. The snake jaws wide open, revealed razor-sharp fangs as it struck the Mò with deadly precision, sinking it's fang deep into the demon's neck.The demon let out a deafening roar as it crumpled to the ground, the impact sending shockwaves through the surrounding environment. Zhilong, with his exceptional agility, leapt clear of the demon's shoulder, his movements a testament to his refined skills.

As the dust settled, Xiao Yu landed gracefully upon the snake's body. "Well, well, well. It appears we have a case of unfair odds, do we not, Zhang Wei? Two against a blind man? Hardly sporting." Zhilong's smile never wavered as he dusted his hanfu with a delicate touch.

Zhang Wei's query was laced with a hint of annoyance. "Xiao Yu, what are you doing here?" Xiao Yu's response was resolute. "I shall not permit you to face Zhilong alone. He is a formidable foe, and I shall not stand idly by." Zhang Wei's retort was tinged with irritation. "I require no assistance."

Xiao Yu's words were cut short as a chain imbued with crimson magic slammed into him, sending him flying across the landscape. The white snake vanished, and Xiao Yu crashed into a nearby wall, the force of the impact causing the structure to crumble. Debris rained down upon him as he struggled to regain his footing.

Zhang Wei launched a flurry of attacks, his hundreds of swords slicing through the air with deadly precision. Zhilong, however, proved more than a match for the assault, dodging each sword with ease. With a swift motion, Zhilong retaliated, his chain striking Zhang Wei with unerring accuracy. Zhang Wei barely avoided the attack, but the chain's edge sliced through his arm, eliciting a pained groan. He crashed through a rooftop, the structure shattering beneath his weight as he landed heavily on the unforgiving ground.

Zhilong's voice dripped with malice as he declared, "Never interfere in the affairs of a blind man." The Mò, now surrounded by a crimson aura, slowly rose to its feet, its presence a testament to Zhilong's unyielding power. Zhilong's smile grew wider, his eyes glinting with malevolence. "Now, Shu Shu, where might you be hiding?"

As the shadows danced upon the walls, Shu Shu emerged from the darkness, his eyes fixed intently upon Zhilong. "Rumors spread with such haste," Shu Shu observed, his tone measured. "What is it that you desire from me?"

Zhilong's smile was a masterful blend of charm and malevolence. "You, Shu Shu, are the one I seek. Alas, Zhang Wei and his companion would not permit me to claim you." Zhilong's words dripped with sinister intent as he began a slow, deliberate approach toward Shu Shu.

"I may not behold your visage, Shu Shu," Zhilong continued, "yet I can sense the exquisite flavor of your being." Shu Shu stood unmoving, his expression unreadable. "What meaning do you convey by those words?" he asked, his voice devoid of emotion.

Zhilong's smile grew wider as he drew closer to Shu Shu. "Your brother, Shu Yan, banished you to this forsaken realm. I have come to rescue you, Shu Shu. You have been wronged by those who were meant to protect and love you. Fear not, for I shall provide you with a love beyond your wildest imagination. Come with me." Zhilong's words were laced with a subtle, sinister persuasion.

Shu Shu's response was tinged with a hint of desperation. "What use am I to you, Zhilong? You possess formidable magical prowess, while I am but a prince born without the gift of magic." Shu Shu's voice cracked with emotion. "I have come to this place seeking death, for my heart is heavy with suffering. You may end my torment, Zhilong."

Zhilong's expression turned contemplative, his smile fading into an enigmatic silence. Finally, he spoke, his voice low and husky. "Why should I permit such a delectable being as yourself to perish?"

Before Zhilong could continue, Zhang Wei struck with deadly precision, his sword slicing through the air to sever Zhilong's head from his shoulders. Blood splattered across Shu Shu's face, and for an instant, time seemed to freeze.

Zhang Wei's voice was firm, his words laced with a sense of urgency. "Shu Shu, what are you doing here? This place is fraught with peril, and Zhilong is a demon of unspeakable evil. Flee as swiftly as you can and rejoin Xuan." Zhang Wei remained vigilant, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of danger.

Xiao Yu appeared beside Zhang Wei and Shu Shu, his expression grim. "You shouldn't go about beheading people, Zhang Wei," Zhilong's voice echoed, his head reattaching itself to his shoulders as he leaned against a nearby wall, a wry smile spreading across his face.

Xiao Yu's retort was laced with annoyance. "Just perish already, you're so infuriating." Zhilong's smile grew wider as he began to walk toward Shu Shu, his movements deliberate and menacing.

"Come with me, Shu Shu," Zhilong said, his voice dripping with persuasion. "I shall reveal to you the true nature of power. Together, we shall rescue Lady Jing and Yue from the clutches of Shu Yan. We shall save the Qing dynasty from the brink of destruction." Zhilong's words were laced with a subtle, sinister charm.

Zhang Wei and Xiao Yu stood firm, their bodies forming a barrier between Zhilong and Shu Shu. "What a tiresome trio!" Zhilong exclaimed, his expression turning cold. With a swift motion, he controlled the Mò, commanding it to strike Zhang Wei and Xiao Yu with its massive arm. The two warriors were blasted away, their bodies sent flying across the landscape.

As the dust settled, Zhilong's smile returned, his eyes gleaming with malevolence. "Now that we are alone, Shu Shu, what is your decision?" Shu Shu's expression was unreadable, his eyes fixed intently upon Zhilong as he pondered his response.

Before Shu Shu could reply, Xiao Yu reappeared, a colossal white snake bursting forth from the shadows to crush Zhilong beneath its massive coils. Zhilong's body was pulverized, his blood staining the snake's maw. Zhang Wei summoned a gigantic sword, its blade plunging deep into the Mò's chest. The demon let out a deafening roar as it crashed to the ground, its massive body sending shockwaves through the environment.

Zhilong reappeared, his countenance twisted in a scowl. "Cease your meddling and permit me to shower Shu Shu with my affection!" he thundered, his voice dripping with indignation. With a swift motion, Zhilong unleashed a blast of crimson magic, sending Xiao Yu and Zhang Wei flying through the air.

As the two warriors were about to crash to the ground, Zhilong's magic intervened, suspending them in mid-air before encasing them within a glowing, spherical cage. "Make haste, Shu Shu!" Zhilong urged, striding toward him with an air of urgency. "Let us depart before those insufferable fools can thwart our union."

Shu Shu's response was measured, his tone calm. "How can I entrust myself to your care?" Zhilong's smile was a thin, mirthless line. Xiao Yu's voice rang out from within the cage, his words laced with warning. "Do not heed his words, Shu Shu! He is not to be trusted!"

Zhang Wei's retort was tinged with annoyance. "What a nuisance." With a delicate touch, Zhang Wei's finger grazed the magical cage, and in an instant, a gleaming sword sliced through the barrier, freeing Zhang Wei and Xiao Yu from their confinement. The two warriors crashed to the ground, their movements swift as they regained their footing.

Zhilong's patience had worn thin. "I care not for your reservations, Shu Shu. You shall accompany me, willingly or otherwise." As he spoke, a colossal, crimson portal materialized in the sky, its presence seeming to darken the very air around them. Zhilong's arm wrapped around Shu Shu's waist, pulling him close.

Shu Shu's struggles were in vain as Zhilong's grip tightened. "What are you doing? Release me!" Zhilong's smile grew, his eyes aglow with an otherworldly energy. "I shall demonstrate the true meaning of power." With a sudden burst of speed, Zhilong leapt into the portal, Shu Shu in tow.

As the portal began to close, Xiao Yu summoned a majestic, white snake. With a mighty swing of its tail, the serpent launched Zhang Wei and Xiao Yu into the portal, the three of them vanishing into the unknown as the portal sealed itself behind them.