Chapter 721: Black Palace
Hui popped up in a pond in the black palace and heaved a deep breath. I dont have to breathe, but it still sucks to have to hold my breath! Flying up, he landed on the floor in the center of the entrance hall.
Beside him, Zhubi shook his head. Water flew everywhere, and his long hair thrashed against Hui.
Hui took in the hallway. No grand waterfalls poured down, no fish swam idyllically. The water laid dead beside the pathway, dark and choked with black algae. Aside from the drip of Huis robes, not a single sound echoed through the palace.
Zhubi, do you feel any more energy here? Something that could help you break through and enter your true form? Hui asked.
Zhubi wiggled free of Huis grip and walked around, his long hair leaving a wet trail on the dusty floor. He lifted his nose and sniffed, then took off and ran into the palace. The shadows swallowed him up, his white form fading quickly into the dark.
Hui followed after him. He quickly drew a talisman on the air, and a gold barrier floated on the air between him and Zhubi, letting off a low golden glow. He nodded to himself and chased Zhubi deeper into the dungeon.
Dark hallways gaped to either side, chasms of pure darkness Huis eyes couldnt pierce. Hui and Zhubis footsteps echoed in pure silence. The floating barrier only cast off enough light for Hui to see Zhubi in the darkness, the high contrast of white against black drawing his eye.nove(l)bi(n.)com
Zhubi, hold up, Hui called.
Zhubi ignored him, rushing on.
Does he sense something I dont? Maybe his inheritance is calling to him. In which case, we were right. Or rather, Tian Chen was right. I shouldnt take credit for someone elses realization. Lighting his way with the floating barrier, Hui gave chase.
The palace stretched on and on, as grand as the dragons, but completely empty. Aside from Hui and Zhubi, nothing stirred in the palace. Dust grew thicker the further they ran into the palace. Cobwebs draped the corners and choked the side halls. In the corner of Huis eye, something flickered, but when he turned, nothing but a ragged sheet swayed in the dead air.
Hui sat down, folding his legs. He monitored the swirling energy from the outside. Just in case. If things go wrong, Ill intervene anyways. I wont allow Zhubi to fail!
The energy spun and spun. Hui held his breath, waiting. The energy began to swirl faster and faster. He watched it closely, nervous. Too fast? Just fast enough?
No, no. Have faith.
Time passed. Hui couldnt tell, but the sun rose and fell, the moon taking its place. The energy still swirled.
He bit his lip, nervous, and flew up to examine it more closely. Its been a long time. Is this normal? Ive never watched a dragon become a dragon-turtle before, so I dont know what to expect. Maybe this is normal?
Carefully, wary not to disrupt the energy, Hui inspected it more closely. It turned at a steady pace, steadily growing faster. The central energy remained firm, solidly turning. At its edges, though, it trembled, like a top starting to lose its balance.
Not a great sign. Is it a bad sign? Or can he recover this?
I dont know. Ugh. Theres only one way to find out!
Zhubi? Can you hear me? Do you need help? Hui asked quietly. I dont want to disturb his focus at a critical moment, but if he needs help, I dont want to stand here helplessly and fail to step in when he needs me!
A small cry sounded out, weak and pitiful.
Huis eyes widened. Thats not good. Okay. I cant stand by and do nothing! Zhubi, Im here! Im coming!