The far south, Tomb Mountain.
The mountain was low and squat, like a solitary grave suspended beyond the seas. Willows and cypresses filled the view, and yin qi lay heavy over it. Grass sprites and wood spirits could occasionally be seen, most of them hideous and terrifying.
Inside a cave abode at the summit, lamplight flickered dimly. A blackwood coffin rested within, giving off the dark green radiance of taboo wood as gusts of chill wind rose from the ground.
Before the coffin stood a man in black-feathered spirit armor, his hands clasped behind his back. His face was cold as frost, his hooked nose sharp, and he stood firm as a boulder, staring at the blackwood coffin.
His divine ability stirred, releasing a dark green glow that lifted the coffin lid. Pure white water filled it, and a woman lay submerged within, only her slender face showing, her eyes tightly shut.
Soul-Concealment looked at the woman in the coffin, then turned his hand over and summoned a wisp of fiery energy. Greater Yang radiance shone brilliantly, gradually dispelling the yin qi in the abode.
He blew gently, and the fiery energy dropped into the coffin and flew straight into the woman's mouth.
Light swirled for a moment. The pure white water transformation gradually merged into the woman's dharma body, and she slowly opened her eyes, revealing a pair of shadowy gray pupils.
"Well? I've gathered everything you wanted. Is this dharma body fit for use?"
The woman sat up in the coffin, wearing a long slate-blue dress. Lamplight fell upon her slender, delicate figure, casting a shadow on the stone wall behind her-the shape of a monstrous nine-headed bird.
"A piece of junk. It'll have to do for now."
Her voice was indifferent. She slowly stepped out of the