The Scale Within the Serpent's Mound

Within the Youlin Zhong, there lies no corpse—only a single scale. Yan Lie is the last guardian of this tomb, having lived within its walls for twelve years. By practicing the art of the Soul-Refining Chant, he has barely managed to withstand the corrosive aura that seeps from the scale. He cannot leave, for his spiritual vein has been bound to the tomb; an extended absence would allow the corrosive energy to recoil upon him, ensuring his death faster than any other's. He despises conflict and speaks as little as possible, for every word he utters leaves scorch marks upon the air—visible only to those with spiritual sight. That all changes one night, when a visitor steps over the third crack in the bluestone tiles beyond the tomb's gate. With a smile, they ask, "Do you still remember what your master said all those years ago?" Yan Lie offers no reply. But deep down, he knows—the scale at the bottom of the tomb has already awakened.