The Sky Torn Asunder

Li Cuiping, a resident of Corner Street, was possessed by an Evil Spirit due to excessive Taboo-Breaking, which triggered the arrival of a massive, steel-plate-shaped Forbidden Object inscribed with filthy language.

This Forbidden Object constantly emitted a distorted light that polluted the mind, and it was imprinted with an image of an Evil God disguised as a kind old man, along with obscure runes reading [KFC].

The Black Robe Enforcement Team first cautiously performed an exorcism mass, then struck the runes with an Evil-Breaking Iron Hammer, yet it still provoked a violent resistance from the Forbidden Object; sparks flew everywhere, and one team member was sacrificed on the spot.

May everyone take this as a warning—Evening City Daily

"The respectable Black Robe Enforcement Team..."

Putting down the newspaper, Bai Zhou, dressed in a simple blue and white school uniform, handed a crumpled five-dollar bill to the fat owner of the Convenience Store.

"The usual: one bag of Four-Flavor Instant Noodles and two Jade-in-Jade Ham Sausages."

"I had them packed for you already!"

The fat owner took the money and handed over a black plastic bag, "Why didn't you go to Sister Li's to mooch a meal? The wedding was so lively!"

Everyone in the alley was familiar with Bai Zhou; they taught him which stall in the market had the most tender cucumbers with flowers still attached, and told him what time to queue at the lunchbox stall to avoid the crowds;

The seams of his school uniform trousers had been mended time and again, and the leaves on Corner Street had turned green and yellow eighteen times; orphaned from birth, Bai Zhou grew up eating the "hundred-family rice" of the alley.

"Thanks, Uncle Xiang."

Bai Zhou took the plastic bag, glanced at the alarm clock on the table with its circle of thirty-six numbers, and shook his head—

"I don't have money for the gift, so I'll pass."

"I saw Sister Li just the day before yesterday, and in the blink of an eye, she's gone," sighed the fat owner, known to the neighbors as "Uncle Xiang."

"But it can be considered a blessing in disguise; she and Old Wang finally became a wedded couple."

"Who's to say otherwise?" Bai Zhou shook the newspaper in his hand.

The Li Cuiping mentioned in the paper was the very same Sister Li that Uncle Xiang spoke of.

—Because of her excessive Taboo-Breaking, Sister Li had been possessed by something unclean.

She would open her mouth to spout incomprehensible nonsense like "transmigration" or "Marxism," and she didn't even know the common sense that a day had 36 hours.

The next day, Thursday afternoon, the crazed Sister Li was dragged to the Civic Square by the Black Robe Enforcement Team, tied to a Cross, and burned to ashes.

However, becoming ashes was, in a way, a blessing in disguise for Sister Li; it was precisely because of this that she passed the audit of the Black Robe Enforcement Team and was able to marry Grandpa Wang.

How joyous and congratulatory.

They had been in love for a long time and even had a child, but they had never held a wedding.

After all, how could the living get married?

"By the way, have the results for the Black Robe selection come out yet?" Uncle Xiang looked at Bai Zhou with eager eyes.

"They're out," Bai Zhou pursed his lips, "I didn't get in."

"How?" Uncle Xiang was stunned, "You're the top student of the Youth Training Corps; if you can't get in, who can?"

"Theoretically, yes, but the one who was chosen in the end was Li Wang."

Uncle Xiang was dumbfounded, "That spineless, rotten kid? On what grounds?"

Bai Zhou nodded, "On the grounds that the Black Robe Lord in charge of the selection is Li Wang's father."

"There are such parasites among the Black Robes?" Uncle Xiang cursed.

"Don't let anyone hear you say that!" Bai Zhou waved his hands hurriedly.

"—But it's fine. Once I graduate from the training corps in a few days, I'll still be able to get a guaranteed spot in the Black Robes."

In Evening City, the Black Robe Enforcement Team is heaven; they are the makers and guardians of order.

The entire city yearns to join the Black Robe Enforcement Team, but they only want the best elites.

Monsters from the Wilderness outside the city invade from time to time, and it is only through the efforts and sacrifices of the Black Robe Enforcement Team that the residents within the city walls can live and work in peace.

Since he was a child, Bai Zhou loved reading adventure stories and always projected himself as the protagonist. The more others spoke of the dangerous Wilderness with bated breath, the more curious and longing he became for the world outside the walls.

For this reason, Bai Zhou put his all into his daily training and gained the appreciation of the high-ranking officials of the Enforcement Team, waiting only for graduation to join the Black Robe's Outer City Investigation Team and gain the authority to enter and exit the walls to explore the Wilderness.

"I see," Uncle Xiang chuckled dryly, then turned his head toward the street outside and suddenly froze.

"Bai Zhou? Look at that, what is it?"

Uncle Xiang wasn't sure, "Does that look like... a Forbidden Object to you?"

"A Forbidden Object?" Bai Zhou shivered and followed his gaze outside.

The sky was growing dark.

A restless wind, carrying a stifling heat, blew slowly across the street corner.

The pale sun set, the crimson crescent moon rose, and everything was quiet and peaceful.

Clouds drifted past to reveal the Red Moon in the night sky, and on the quiet bluestone street, a glowing piece of glass lay there.

The strange light was particularly striking in the dim night.

"It really is a Forbidden Object!" Bai Zhou looked at Uncle Xiang solemnly, "Did you break a taboo, too?"

In Evening City, every instance of Taboo-Breaking is a summons for Forbidden Objects and Evil Spirits.

Hungry? Eat. Sleepy? Sleep. Sunny? Use an umbrella. Daytime? Don't comb your hair. Before eating? Chopsticks must be placed neatly in the bowl...

These are basic common-sense rules known even to children.

But what if one were to deliberately violate these rules?

That is Taboo-Breaking.

Break too many taboos, and you are easily targeted by Evil Spirits.

For mild symptoms, one is force-fed Holy Water infused with "Holy Ash."

If the symptoms are severe, like those of Crazy Sister Li, it might even trigger the descent of a Forbidden Object...

In that case, one can only be sanctioned by the iron fists of the Black Robe, ultimately finding purification in the roaring Holy Fire.

"That's impossible!" Uncle Xiang grew nervous. "Could it be that the Evil Spirit haunting Sister Li wasn't completely exorcised?"

Bai Zhou froze, his heart skipping a beat, as he struggled to maintain a serious, expressionless face.

Because he suddenly realized that this Forbidden Object might have nothing to do with Uncle Xiang; it was coming for him.

Bai Zhou and Sister Li were neighbors separated by a wall; they had crossed paths the night before the selection.

She was cooling off in the courtyard, lining up four apples on the table, and asked Bai Zhou:

"Have you studied? If you have, let me test you... Do you know why an apple falls from a tree?"

Bai Zhou had never told anyone about this, nor did he dare to.

Thinking of this, Bai Zhou cautiously approached the Forbidden Object.

The glowing glass presented a thin, flat rectangle, its upward-facing side reflecting a blinding light.

Something seemed to be imprisoned within the thin glass, and that thing was making noises, as if calling for help.

Holding his breath, Bai Zhou leaned in for a look...

With just this one glance, Bai Zhou felt as if he had been subjected to some terrifying and twisted spiritual pollution.

For it was a horrifying existence—neither human nor easily classified as a biological entity—

A slimy, dark-yellow cube covered in ugly black spots, waving twisted, slender limbs, its cunning eyes darting around wildly.

She walked inside the glass, emitting strange creaking sounds, patting the shoulder of another foolish existence with hideous tentacles, and letting out a spirit-polluting, blasphemous, and terrifying shriek:

"Oooooooo—"

"Patrick Star, let's go jellyfish hunting!"

The scream, carrying a decibel level that threatened to pierce his eardrums, reached Bai Zhou's ears, forcing him to take a few steps back.

Now, Bai Zhou was one hundred percent certain that this was a Forbidden Object!

He had received professional training in the Youth Training Corps and knew this was likely a Forbidden Object similar to the Wish-Granting Lamp, sealing an indescribable, ancient Evil God within.

It was undoubtedly the same type of thing as the Steel Plate, or rather, the "Totem of the Mad Evil God," that Sister Li had summoned!

"W-what do we do!" The fat on Uncle Xiang's face trembled uncontrollably.

Bai Zhou stepped forward.

"Aard!" He immediately struck a pose, chanting the Exorcism Seal he had learned in the Youth Training Corps.

However, the Forbidden Object remained unmoved.

"As expected of a Forbidden Object sealing two ancient gods." Bai Zhou nodded, showing no signs of panic.

—The next second, he reached into his robe and pulled out a long tube, calmly pulling it open.

"Pop!" The tube fired, and fireworks exploded in the air; this was the unique method used by Youth Training Corps cadets to summon the Black Robe.

"Hold on, the Black Robe will be here soon!"

Bai Zhou dragged Uncle Xiang back as they retreated.

In truth, he was dying to turn around and run, but he dared not shift his gaze from that glowing glass for even a second.

According to the Forbidden Object Law, once entangled with a Forbidden Object, unless it is sealed or erased, running is useless.

"Oooooooo—"

The Cube Ancient God ran back and forth, the Forbidden Object continued to broadcast its demonic sounds, and Bai Zhou and Uncle Xiang covered their ears, struggling to hold on.

Fortunately, the Black Robe's efficiency was always high.

"It's alright, young man, there is no need to worry anymore—"

A deep, resonant baritone voice rang out, and Bai Zhou turned to see a group of tall figures.

Their black robes fluttered in the wind, their forms tall, mighty, and imposing, and every one of them walked forward with faces brimming with confidence and pride.

Giving Bai Zhou a thumbs-up, the leading Black Robe Uncle bared his pure white gums:

"Because, we are here!"

"T-Teacher!" Seeing the man in the lead, Bai Zhou let out a long breath, recognizing him as the teacher he had seen in the Youth Training Corps.

Immediately shielding himself behind the Black Robe Enforcement Team, Bai Zhou felt an incomparable sense of security.

Thank goodness, I'm saved!

To confront a Deity with a mortal body—this was the Black Robe Enforcement Team!

"You're the chief of the Youth Training Corps?" The Black Robe Uncle turned his head, recognizing Bai Zhou, and signaled for him to come over. "Perfect, come and help!"

"...Alright." Bai Zhou blinked, but had no choice but to step forward and take hold of a heavy sledgehammer.

Next, the Black Robes began their exorcism ritual.

First, they sealed off the road as if facing a Great Enemy. Then, several Black Robe Persons donned hideous masks, stripped off their shirts, smeared their bodies with fragrant oil, and hung bells upon themselves. They began to dance around the glowing Glass Forbidden Object, keeping time to a rhythmic beat.

A maiden among the Black Robes, her face full of piety, dipped her fingertips into salt water and sprinkled it onto the upward-facing side of the glass.

Suddenly, as if stung by the salt water, the two Ancient Gods vanished.

In their place appeared a distorted, circular symbol—resembling a vortex yet also a musical note—a mysterious White Rune that flickered with a pale light against the dark background.

"Now!" a Black Robe shouted sharply, looking at Bai Zhou.

Bai Zhou immediately raised the sledgehammer, which was coated in red paint.

At that moment, a mechanical female voice emanated from the White Rune, attempting to bewitch Bai Zhou:

"Douyin, record a beautiful life!"

Bai Zhou sneered, his gaze firm. "A beautiful life has nothing to do with an Evil God; it can only be created by the people themselves!"

The next second, The hammer crashed down!

Accompanied by a violent "crack," the glass was covered in fissures and ceased to glow entirely, the bewitching voice coming to an Abrupt Stop.

...Is it over?

The street was silent, and Bai Zhou slowly lowered the hammer.

"Calm under pressure, protecting others... someone like you is exactly the talent the Black Robes need!"

The Black Robe Uncle patted Bai Zhou's shoulder firmly and promised earnestly:

"When you graduate from the Youth Training Corps, I will write a recommendation letter for you personally!"

"It was just my duty." Bai Zhou scratched his head sheepishly, his nerves finally beginning to relax.

"Crack!"

In the quiet alley, a strange echo suddenly rang out again.

Bai Zhou turned his head in astonishment. "Again?"

With a "boom," the ground and even the sky shook inexplicably.

The cracks on the Glass Forbidden Object began to spread, extending directly into the air, then traveling upward, and upward...

"The sky!" a Black Robe suddenly exclaimed.

Everyone looked up, and what they saw made them almost forget to breathe.

The Blood Moon that had existed in the sky since time immemorial had shattered at one corner, and the crimson night sky was torn open, revealing a streak of incongruous azure blue.

"Crack! Rip!"

It sounded like a curtain being torn by something, or perhaps a mirror shattering.

Within Bai Zhou's bewildered field of vision, The sky began to fall.

Yes, literally—the sky fell in rustling fragments of red and black.

Did we cause such a massive disaster? A bewildered Bai Zhou felt his scalp tingle.

"Quick, perform the rites with me!" a trembling Black Robe chanted a sacred hymn.

Large basins of black dog blood, ram's blood, and salt water were frantically splashed toward the sky, only to be pulled back by gravity, drenching the practitioners themselves.

Beneath the rustling, shattering sky, they mechanically repeated their ritual dance, like a frenzy of snakes or a wild revelry of Shiva, their self-forgetful movements spinning like a whirlwind upon the trembling earth.

"The Heavens are enraged; we need a sacrifice!" Some Black Robes looked toward Bai Zhou with strange, ferocious gazes.

Suddenly, a cold, slightly raspy female voice drifted from the Glass Forbidden Object.

"Hey—"

"Come out!"

Flames ignited on the horizon.

The next instant, there was the vibration of something heavy slamming into the ground.

Carrying astonishing weight and speed, a slender figure plummeted from above, landing right beside the Glass Forbidden Object.

Immediately following—like a falling meteor shower—

More figures descended from the sky, one after another.

Before Bai Zhou could make sense of the situation, Her hair flying, that initial person arrived before the stunned Bai Zhou.

In the crumbling world, his dazed vision faded, and Bai Zhou, struggling to remain calm, focused his gaze.

"...Who... are you...?"

The shattered Blood Moon illuminated the sky.

With her back to the dome ignited by flames, a figure was elongated by the ground.

A head of flowing long black hair spread out like a waterfall, setting off ruby-like eyes that burned like fire;

A pitch black coat resembling a cloak billowed with the wind, its hem snapping loudly like rolling clouds.

From the cuffs of the coat, slender fingers could be glimpsed, tightly gripping a long saber that was inexplicably rusted, exuding a violent and chilling beauty.

Liquid resembling molten, burning steel flowed along the long saber, carrying overflowing sparks that transformed into crimson butterflies fluttering in dance.

--Like a god or a demon, the maiden tore through the sky and descended before the stunned Bai Zhou.

The burnt aroma of coffee lingered around her, drilling into Bai Zhou's sensitive nostrils.

"She is..."

With a "Boom--" sound, Behind her, the teetering Blood Moon finally shattered into dust.

A Golden Sun, like a fireball hanging in the sky—something Bai Zhou had never seen before—along with a blue sky, replaced everything he had once known.

The blinding and unfamiliar sunlight made Bai Zhou instinctively squint, tears streaming down uncontrollably.

At the same time.

People dressed in black windbreakers, with a style completely different from Evening City, launched a full-scale ground operation.

Black "big birds" swept across the sky, accompanied by the deafening roar of propellers.

Fully armed soldiers in masks marched in with combat boots, a vast torrent of steel that seemed intent on completely submerging this fragile little city.

...That day, at that moment.

In front of the alley not far from home, The peaceful daily life that Bai Zhou had taken for granted for eighteen years was, by that woman holding the rusted long saber, --Completely hacked to pieces.

"The 138th exploration of the Reflection Ruins Realm, coordinates (1999, 2333, 7051), positioning successful."

A slightly hoarse whisper emanated from the slender figure holding the Flowing Fire Long Saber.

Bai Zhou recognized it; it was identical to the cold, sharp voice he had just heard.

"Eastern Federation of Blue Star time, August 17th, 2030 AD, 9:24 AM."

"Successfully located the ruins of Evening City."

Trampling the Sky Light, overturning the world, the maiden who descended upon Evening City like a god, Those cold and arrogant Rainbow Eyes swept across the surroundings with a gaze as sharp as a blade.

"The missing Children, have been found."