An ancient, heavy consciousness, like a mountain range of rock slowly shifting, came with the gentle yet resolute repulsive force field within the Vortex of Serenity.
Ming Xin and the others, who had only just gained a chance to catch their breath, felt their hearts tighten again.
The Old Stone Monster had awakened, and it clearly did not welcome outsiders carrying the scent of trouble.
"Seeker, analyze this Old Stone Monster's energy structure and state of consciousness!"
While resisting that force, which was not fierce but remarkably persistent, Ming Xin rapidly issued orders.
At the same time, he signaled Shadow Fiend not to make any movements that might be perceived as hostile.
"Scanning..." Seeker's Light Mist cautiously avoided the invisible force field as it conducted its examination.
"Energy response is extremely restrained... Its essence is a highly condensed, nearly eternal Inert Shadow Crystal Aggregate.
Its consciousness fluctuations... ancient, sluggish, logically simple yet exceptionally stable... Preliminary assessment: a rare Longevity Species of the Shadow Plane.
It sustains its existence by absorbing inert energy from its surroundings. Its lifespan may be measured in millions of years.
It appears to possess an instinctive tendency to reject and purify energy related to Order and the Shadow of the Gate."
A Longevity Species? Instinctively repelled by Order and the Shadow of the Gate? That might explain why the Shadow of the End did not approach this place.
"Honored ancient being," Ming Xin attempted to communicate through thought, his tone respectful. "We have no intention of disturbing your slumber.
We were pursued by the Purification Protocol and the Shadow of the End, and were forced to flee here for temporary shelter. We will leave at once and will not linger."
"Purification Protocol... Shadow of the End..." The Old Stone Monster's consciousness seemed to process those names.