The Dawn of the New World

"Yes...that is the correct response," he even commented right after.

It was hard to tell what he was feeling based solely on his expressions but there was still some emotion in his eyes. That kind of sadness could not simply be hidden away.

"This is what happens to all creatures of divinity that are locked away in Purgatory. They slowly begin to lose their light and after tens of thousands of years when all else is lost, the corruption begins to take hold."

"It distorts and warps one from the inside out, turning you into a suitable denizen of the underworld, a Great Fiend!"

Those words did not sit well with Hao Xuan. He took a cautious step back even though there wasn't really anywhere to go.

"Then did you also..."

"No. When the final spark of my divinity was about to be snuffed out I made my way to this place and sealed what was left of my mind deep within the ground. My body, as you can see, could not stand the corruption but my 'soul' as you might put it is still very much intact. I used an ancient blood sealing technique that needs to be constantly replenished."

Hao Xuan was quite relieved to hear that. A fiend is someone that has truly lost themselves to the darkness and from then onwards all their actions are motivated by malice and spite for all living things.

Their only purpose is to bring destruction wherever they go. And considering how incredibly powerful Ashura of the Six Paths was when he was 'alive' he would be an even stronger fiend if he truly fell to the darkness.

But as long as there was hope Hao Xuan would do everything he can to help.

"What can I do? How can I get you out of this place?"

Ashura of the Six Paths smiled, a terrifying smile but a smile indeed.

"I have slept through the ages, little one. Even back then I had far too few followers but now they are nonexistent. You...might be the only person still alive who actually remembers what I was. And without followers, without worshippers, I cannot regain my divinity. Only someone that was my equal would have a chance to break me out of here."

Hao Xuan fell silent. His eyes darted back and forth as his mind raced with countless possibilities before finally coming to the inevitable conclusion.

"What if...I can find someone like that?"

Ashura of the Six Paths leaned forward slightly but it felt like the very sky itself had moved closer.

"You know someone that powerful?"

Hao Xuan nodded hesitantly, "I might. I am not sure exactly how powerful he is but he was strong enough to travel to different worlds and live through countless ages. And he just happens to owe me an explanation and a favor. I will ask him."

The Ashura nodded once, "If he could indeed traverse through different worlds then he might be able to. Even if he isn't as powerful, as long as he can open the door for me I can break through."

Hao Xuan's words had given him hope despite all this time. It was just a small chance but as long as there was a possibility...

*RUUUMBLE*

The air thrummed and the clouds were torn apart by an impossibly deep sound that rattled Hao Xuan to the core.

"Argh!"

Hao Xuan fell to his knees clutching his chest. It felt like his entire body was about to break into a million pieces.

"What's...going on...?"

The Ashura looked to the sky and shook his head.

"They have found me. They must have felt the gate open."

"Who?!"

"Great Fiends, wicked spawnlings that dwell within the darkest corners of the underworld. They are converging on this place trying to find you."

"ME?! Why me??"

"If they can take over your body there is a chance they could escape from here."

Despite the searing pain Hao Xuan looked up to meet Ashura's gaze.

"That's a possibility?"

"Yes, but your soul would be crushed in the process and your body would begin to take the same shape as the fiend. It would be your end."

Hao Xuan didn't know what to say. Considering how powerful he was he could have easily taken over his body but that was probably never even an option for him.

Hao Xuan couldn't help but give a weary smile, "You really are still the same. Still as proud and valiant as ever."

"Of course! Without loyalty and honor, existence has no meaning! As soldiers in the great war, we are bound by it no matter how much time passes."

"I...am no soldier," Hao Xuan muttered weakly, "But I understand where you are coming from. I will be back soon."

"Hmm, go now. I must awaken my army for what is coming."