A Void for Eternity: BL

Lost in the depths of his mind, Liu Weishan continued to walk hesitantly, his small steps echoing in the absolute void surrounding him. The darkness was infinite, impenetrable, as if the very concept of light had never existed in that place. He felt the weight of the silence, which seemed to scream louder than any sound. He tried to move, but the fear of eternal perdition made him retreat with every attempt.

His thoughts now scattered like leaves in the wind. He searched for something — anything — that could guide him, but nothing appeared. No spark of hope, no clear direction. Every step seemed to lead him deeper into the dark vastness, where the ground felt unstable, as if he could fall at any moment into an even deeper void.

Fear grew in his chest, rooting itself like a poisonous vine, restricting his movements and decisions. Liu Weishan, once considered a prodigy since his rebirth, now felt like a frightened child, unable to face the vast unknown within himself.

But something stopped him.

Liu Weishan was suddenly overcome by a crushing pressure, as if the very void around him had taken on a physical form, molding itself to crush him. It was an unbearable weight — not physical but spiritual — that seemed to wrap around his soul like powerful invisible chains, tightening and compressing until his very existence seemed on the verge of unraveling.

With each passing second, the sensation intensified, as if the barrier keeping him trapped was manifesting in its most brutal and merciless form. His legs trembled, and the dark, ethereal ground beneath his feet seemed to drain his vital energy. He tried to lift his head, take a deep breath, and resist, but it was futile.

The weight crushed him from within, making it clear that this was not merely a barrier to be broken but a test of strength and resolve. It was as if the universe itself declared: "If you wish to attain true power, you must endure the pain of those who dare to change fate." Liu Weishan could barely remain standing, but even as he wavered, he refused to fall, his stubbornness fighting against despair.

When Liu Weishan felt his divine consciousness nearly slipping from his body, a golden light pierced through the surrounding darkness. Ancient words, glowing like runes, began to circle around him in a constant motion, orbiting his body like stars in a private cosmos. At first, he couldn't understand them, but something within him urged him to try.

Suddenly, he realized he was no longer standing; his posture had shifted into a lotus position. In his hands rested a small golden lotus, radiating divine light. A soft warmth emanated from its delicate form as the words around him became clearer. A calm voice, almost like the murmur of a tranquil river, began to whisper in his ears — a maternal presence, gentle and sweet.

"The Dao is not found in strength but in harmony. Refining the spirit is akin to shaping the universe."

Liu Weishan felt his heart race, and then he began to recite the words that floated before him, each syllable resonating with a force that permeated his soul. As the words entered his mind, it was as if a deep and mysterious understanding was being instilled directly into his being, penetrating every fiber of his existence.

His body was overcome by an all-consuming warmth, invisible flames burning within him, refining his consciousness. His mind became a forge where memories, thoughts, and old barriers were hammered and shaped into pure steel. The pain was unbearable. His skin began to crack, golden lines appearing like mystical marks spreading in intricate patterns, seemingly ready to burst from his body.

The lotus in his hands pulsed with increasing strength and power, transmitting energy to him. The gentle voice grew more intense, guiding him with clarity: "Challenge the darkness. Break your own barriers. Shatter what binds you."

With a final effort, Liu Weishan roared internally, defying the destructive pressure. He focused all the words, all the heat, and all the pain into a single point within himself. Then, in an explosive moment, the barrier shattered.

A burst of golden light illuminated the infinite darkness, and the words around him dissipated, transforming into stars that scattered across the void. Liu Weishan watched the space around him change; where there had been only darkness, constellations now emerged, small and bright, like fragments of his own soul.

The golden lotus in his hands slowly dissolved, turning into pure energy that fused with his dantian. He felt his consciousness purified, and the old blockages vanished like ashes in the wind. When he finally opened his eyes, Liu Weishan realized he was still alive — and stronger than ever before. He didn't know how he had done it, but he knew something profound within him had changed.

Liu Weishan slowly rose from the ground, his feet hovering lightly above the void, as if his connection to the physical world had been temporarily severed. At the same time, outside, his body mirrored the motion, gracefully floating while a golden aura pulsed around him. Wu Hao, sitting on a nearby stone, observed with a satisfied smile.

The air around Liu Weishan began to ripple, as though all existence was responding to the new force emerging from within him. The water in a nearby lake rose in elegant spirals, forming perfect circles around his body, acknowledging him as its true master. The sound was deep and almost hypnotic, echoing with divine serenity.

Wu Hao crossed his arms and murmured to himself:

"He did it. He truly managed to break his own chains... It's rare to see someone so young touch the foundations of the Dao with such intensity."

Zhao Mingye, who had remained silent until then, allowed a faint smile to curve the corners of his lips. His gaze, usually impenetrable, now reflected a hint of pride and satisfaction. Jinlan Shuiyi, the young man he had been observing from afar, had proven to be everything he had hoped for — and perhaps more.

The energy surrounding Liu Weishan gradually subsided, and the water around him slowly returned to the lake without leaving a single ripple out of place. Serenity returned, and Liu Weishan gently descended to the ground. His breathing grew lighter, and his eyes shone with newfound strength.

Zhao Mingye glanced once more at Wu Hao, lightly touching his shoulder.

"He's on the right path. If he continues like this, when his years reach their limit, he will be complete. He will walk between realms without constraint."

Without waiting for a response, Zhao Mingye turned and began to walk away, his gray fur mantle swaying gently in the wind. His long white hair gleamed under the sunlight as he disappeared along the trail leading back to the imperial palace.

When Liu Weishan opened his eyes, he saw only the majestic and solemn figure of Zhao Mingye fading into the distance. Without words, he felt something had been acknowledged between them — a silent respect that transcended titles. This was the beginning of a new chapter, not just for Liu Weishan but for the world around him.

Wu Hao approached and gently touched Weishan's shoulder. A broad smile curved his lips as he tossed a small porcelain vial toward Liu Weishan, who nearly dropped it. With a serious expression, Wu Hao instructed him to drink the contents immediately, or he would lose all his strength and collapse to the ground within moments.

Liu Weishan grimaced as he swallowed the vial's contents, his face contorting slightly as the bitter and unbearable taste invaded his mouth. He tried with all his might to resist the urge to vomit, but the nausea was nearly overwhelming. The mixture of herbs seemed designed to torture the senses. He felt the liquid burning down his throat, settling in his stomach, but he could do nothing but endure it.

"What… was that?", Weishan muttered, still wearing a nauseated expression.

Wu Hao, on the other hand, was impeccable, a wide and easygoing smile on his lips. He had noticed Weishan's expression and chuckled softly.

"Ah, just a simple mix of healing herbs, spider legs, and beetle carcass… What's a little discomfort now, hmm? This concoction will help stabilize your body after everything you've unleashed. Without it, you'd be weak for weeks, your body unable to sustain all that energy without a little... assistance," Wu Hao explained, his calm tone a stark contrast to Liu Weishan's horrified expression.

The young Water God shook his head, trying to erase the thought from his mind. The urge to vomit was still strong, but he could feel the remedy's effects beginning to take hold. His body, on the verge of collapsing under the weight of the newly unlocked power, gradually started to calm. A warm, comforting sensation spread through his muscles, and his internal energy returned to balance.

Liu Weishan sighed and looked at Wu Hao, still wary but visibly calmer.

"Seriously… where do you come up with this stuff? I'm never touching anything you give me again!"

Wu Hao burst into amused laughter, disregarding Weishan's reproachful tone.

"Oh, don't be so dramatic. You still need a few more lessons, but i'm not one to let my temporary disciples perish over minor discomforts. Over time, your body will adjust to the power you've acquired. Until then… better rest. Now, enjoy the reprieve you have ahead of you," he said, taking a long swig from his wine gourd.

Wu Hao fixed his gaze on Weishan, then added, "Would you care to accompany me somewhere? I need to meet a few individuals at the peak of the Eternal Storm Mountain. Every hundred years, we face off in a duel to decide who is the strongest immortal in the Realm of Immortals."

A wide grin spread across Liu Weishan's face, his eyes gleaming with a genuine excitement he couldn't hide. Finally, something in the Celestial Realm that truly piqued his interest. Battling immortals — or better yet, watching a fight between such powerful beings — was something that had always intrigued him. He'd heard countless legends about the unparalleled skills of these great immortals but never imagined he'd have the chance to witness such a battle in person.

"Immortal Bai Tianyi, the lord of beasts… The Earth Master, capable of destroying a kingdom with a single strike… And the God of War… a legendary demon, victor of countless wars," Wu Hao murmured with deep intensity. He showed little excitement, perhaps because he already knew who would win the duel. But his body seemed to vibrate with anticipation at the thought of the fight.

For the first time, Liu Weishan felt truly eager about something in the Celestial Realm. This wasn't just any battle. It was a clash of titans, and he, by sheer luck or destiny, would have the chance to witness it. He looked at Wu Hao, his eyes reflecting the growing anticipation within him, and said with a smile brimming with eagerness:

"I can't wait to see it all!" His voice was filled with excitement, and for a moment, he forgot all the challenges and struggles he had faced thus far.

Wu Hao snapped his fingers swiftly, and a dark cloud formed on the ground, growing and spreading until it shaped itself into a suspended platform. The soft sound of the cloud stretching was almost imperceptible, but its power was evident. Liu Weishan watched wide-eyed as the cloud solidified beneath his feet — a soft, firm platform that seemed to levitate gently in the air.

A chill ran down Liu's spine at the prospect of being transported by something so peculiar, but before he could hesitate, Wu Hao smiled lightly and stepped onto the cloud. Liu's heart raced, but his excitement outweighed his fear. He didn't take long to follow Wu Hao, and soon, the two were gliding through the skies.

As they ascended, Weishan looked down, where landscapes he had never seen unfolded beneath his feet. It was as if the world were unraveling before his eyes, and he could hardly believe he was outside the Celestial Realm. Even with a slight worry about being reprimanded by Mei Xuanling, the idea of exploring the skies and lands beyond his comfort zone was too tempting to resist.

The wind brushed his face as the cloud carried them over majestic lands, where colossal creatures were visible in the distance. Some resembled dinosaurs, others were more mystical — beasts of antiquity. Each new creature he saw made him yearn to learn more about this vast and unknown world. Everything felt surreal.

And then, after hours of travel, an immense snow-covered mountain appeared in the distance. Its massive crater at the center seemed to draw every gaze, like a grand battlefield, an arena forged by nature and time. Liu Weishan could feel the tension in the air, a premonition that something monumental was about to unfold there.

Wu Hao guided the cloud to the arena, descending softly onto a raised platform. The sound of the wind and the soft glow of the cloud made the scene even more mysterious as it landed with precision. When the platform touched the ground, Wu Hao fixed Liu Weishan with a serious gaze and said firmly:

"Stay quiet. Do not get involved, no matter what happens. If you're caught in any confrontation here, the cloud will immediately take you back to the Celestial Realm. So don't worry."

Liu Weishan nodded quickly. This was not the kind of place to ask questions or defy orders. The arena before him radiated energy and power, and he could feel a strong vibration — something he couldn't yet fully comprehend at his current cultivation level.

He swallowed hard, observing his surroundings intently, but for now, his only move was to stay silent and wait. The vastness of the arena, the power in the skies — everything seemed in perfect harmony.

"The time has come to elevate your understanding, little Jinlan Shuiyi," Wu Hao said, his gaze fixed on the arena. A powerful killing intent emanated from his aura. "Today, i, Wu Hao, will shake the heavens and earth!"

"Well said!" a feminine voice echoed from the skies above the clouds.

Liu Weishan turned his gaze to the arena. His eyes, however, were drawn to three figures descending from the skies, landing lightly in the center of the arena. Each one was more peculiar than the last, radiating an odd presence that seemed to distort the very space around the Eternal Storm Mountain.

Among them, an eccentric woman stood out the most. Her long black hair flowed like a river of ink under the arena's light, while her deep brown eyes, vivid and full of life, seemed to see into the very soul of anyone who dared meet them. Her simple yet stylish red robe swayed softly in the wind. She had a relaxed, almost irreverent posture, but her presence was undeniable. She truly seemed like a being from another world.

Turning her gaze to one of the platforms, the woman curved her lips into a wide smile. She soon levitated into the air, heading directly toward Wu Hao. Her steps in the air were light, yet each movement seemed to resonate in the atmosphere with pulses that distorted the space. When she stopped before him, she made a cordial gesture with her hands, crossing her arms in front of her chest in a traditional greeting but without the formality of a bow.

"Shifu! I've missed you so much!" she said with a playful smile. Her voice was full of charisma, captivating like an unexpected melody. "I thought you'd given up on training disciples, but it seems you've finally made time. Either that, or you're collecting promising youths to showcase in the annual competitions of the Celestial Realm," she teased, casting an amused glance at Liu Weishan, sizing him up from head to toe.

Liu Weishan felt a slight chill run down his spine. The woman was imposing — not in an intimidating way, but in a manner that naturally drew all eyes to her as if she were the natural center of any place she entered. Before he could say anything, she continued, laughing:

"So, he's your new protégé? Such an adorable child," she remarked before turning back to Wu Hao. Teasingly, she added, "You know, while the rest of your disciples are scattered across the universe, you find time to play tutor with others. Ungrateful as always!" Her exaggerated and theatrical expression even drew a faint smile from Wu Hao, who typically didn't react to provocations.

"Luo Hualin, your habit of speaking without restraint hasn't changed, i see", said Wu Hao, crossing his arms with a sigh. "This is Liu Weishan, and he's not your concern. And for your information, adopting children or collecting disciples was never my pastime. Stop being so eccentric in front of others."

Luo Hualin simply laughed, as if she found Wu Hao's defensiveness the most amusing thing in the world. She turned to Liu Weishan once more and winked at him, as if sharing a secret.

"Don't worry, little one. He seems stiff, but he's actually a softy. If you know what to do, you'll be walking all over him in no time", then, with a swift spin in the air, she turned back to Wu Hao and smiled. "But how interesting. I want to see how far you'll go with this one. Seems promising. Maybe I'll steal him for myself later. My disciples usually transcend to the heavens in less than a hundred years. I learned from a certain Shizun from the Tianhuan Sect in the Mortal Realm."

Without waiting for a response, she let out a loud laugh and stepped away, leaving Liu Weishan perplexed, but strangely at ease. He felt that, despite her eccentric behavior, there was something genuine and powerful about Luo Hualin, something that made him admire her instantly.

Wu Hao and Luo Hualin's gazes shifted almost simultaneously to the other two immortals in the arena. To the left, Bai Tianyi, the Beast Lord, held an impeccable posture. He was a young-looking man, wearing a white robe that stood out like snow under the arena's light, with a gray fur cloak draped over his shoulders. His gaze was serene but concealed a murderous intent as sharp as a blade. Every movement he made exuded the grace of someone who had triumphed countless times in life-and-death battles.

On the opposite side, the God of War, known as Hei Xuanyuan, stood with his arms crossed, watching the interaction with an increasingly dark expression. His presence was overwhelming, an aura dense, chaotic, and domineering. He clearly did not appreciate being ignored, and impatiently, his energy erupted in a powerful wave that cut through the air toward Wu Hao.

The reaction was instant.

But before Wu Hao could move, Luo Hualin, still with her carefree smile, delicately raised a finger and gave the air a light flick. The devastating energy wave was returned with double the intensity, forcing Hei Xuanyuan to quickly interrupt it before it caused further damage. His expression grew even darker, but he said nothing, implicitly acknowledging Luo Hualin's power.

Luo sighed theatrically and looked at Wu Hao, as if bored.

"You really attract all sorts of trouble, don't you?", she remarked with a mischievous smile, but her eyes gleamed with a trace of seriousness. "Not that I'm here to fight. I came just to watch. After all, they say you're about to become the strongest among us immortals. I need to see that with my own eyes. But even if you become the greatest, Master, you'll never surpass the great Shizun Lin Ziyu in this life."

Wu Hao responded with a calm look, but there was a slight shadow of irritation in his expression.

"Don't involve me in your games, Hualin. I'm here to do what is necessary, nothing more".

She just laughed, spinning in the air with the lightness of a leaf in the wind.

"Of course, of course, always so grumpy. Let's see if you meet expectations", then, she cast an amused glance at Bai Tianyi and Hei Xuanyuan, as if evaluating them. "I hope you make my time worthwhile."

Liu Weishan felt a chill run down his spine as he noticed the subtle shift in Wu Hao's expression. His eyes, usually calm and astute, now seemed to burn with a powerful fury, an expression Liu never thought he would see. Wu Hao's aura, previously controlled, began to pulse, emanating an oppressive pressure that made even the clouds above the arena stir.

Luo Hualin tilted her head slightly, her eyes narrowing in understanding. She crossed her arms and let out a small sigh, a mix of weariness and resignation.

"Shifu...", she murmured, almost in reproach, but with a hint of amusement in her voice. "You're still holding on to that grudge?"

Liu Weishan shifted his gaze from Luo Hualin to Wu Hao, unable to contain the curiosity growing inside him. What had happened between Wu Hao and Hei Xuanyuan for the resentment between them to be so apparent? Even without a word exchanged, it was as if the two were locked in a silent battle, an invisible contest that only those with great power could perceive.

Hei Xuanyuan, on the other hand, seemed completely oblivious to Wu Hao's pressure. He maintained an arrogant, carefree posture, but there was something in his eyes, something Liu interpreted as deliberate provocation. As if Hei Xuanyuan knew exactly what was going on and was just waiting for an opportunity to stoke the flames further.

Luo Hualin took a small step forward, raising an eyebrow as she looked at Wu Hao.

"If you're going to do something, at least kill Hei Xuanyuan", she said with a sharp smile.

Wu Hao remained silent, his eyes fixed on Hei Xuanyuan as though he wanted to pierce him with his gaze. The tension between the two seemed to grow with every second, and Liu Weishan, not fully understanding what was happening, simply watched, trying to piece together the puzzle.

"What did Hei Xuanyuan do to Wu Hao?" Liu thought. "No matter what it is, it's clear that Wu Hao hasn't forgotten... and it seems, he never will."

Finally, the old sage shifted his gaze, turning his attention back to Luo Hualin and Liu Weishan. His aura stabilized, but the remnants of that cruel expression still lingered on his face.

"Then just watch the duel", said Wu Hao, his voice firm and cold. "This is the best time to settle old matters."

But Liu Weishan knew, deep down, that this "moment" related to a life-and-death battle. And when it finally came, the impact would be overwhelming.

To be continued...