His index finger moves forward and back.
One time he goes to press the first proposition; the other time the second.
If he was playing his character, he wouldn't have hesitated, but he had to think more egoistically. Well, it wasn't the most egotistical choice, but the best would be to fight.
Sorry, he's only good for emotional support, if he leaves his NPC role he'll definitely die.
He presses the second choice and heads for the altar.
[ Shoi-Ming, aware of the gravity of the situation, decides to come to the aid of the sect members by helping them with the purification ritual. He prepares to provide emotional support to those in need, carry supplies, and help keep the ritual going.
As he becomes involved in the ritual, he senses the palpable tension in the air. Every gesture, every word spoken by the sect members seems crucial, as if they were fighting an invisible but powerful enemy in addition to the spirits attacking them.
His reassuring presence and invaluable support help to strengthen the determination of the sect members, helping them to persevere despite adversity. And although he can't fight directly, his contribution doesn't go unnoticed. ]
Thanks to the combined efforts of the sect's members, the demonic energies are temporarily contained and sealed, preventing their spread and putting an end to the battle raging around the corrupted altar.
The oppressive atmosphere around him seems to be gradually easing.
[ Congratulations! You've temporarily helped to calm the altar of the 3000 Fans mountain peak. ]
And now, what should he do? Go and see the chief? He's standing over there, still looking worriedly at the altar.
"The ritual didn't go as planned, so something must have gone wrong with the other sects..."
The same words as the other dragon. This kind of scenario certainly happens on other mountains too.
Sighing with relief, he ticks off "temporarily". As long as the problem wasn't solved at source, it would persist and could start all over again.
And this Kuan, why didn't he do anything, why wasn't he with his shixiong? Turning around, he searches for him as a cold expression settles on his face like a winter's day. He walks towards him with a determined step, fluttering the folds of his dress and his long sleeves hanging down his rigid silhouette.
"Kuan qianbei, let me ask you: why weren't you with your shixiong during the ritual? This is an important event, you know that, so I really don't understand why you looked so..."
So what, strange? Like he'd forgotten what was going on. He blamed it on the GM but...no, it was too weird. It was like he was waiting for him.
Well, he knows NPCs are like that, but right now, from what he said, right-hand men have to accompany their leader.
With his eyebrows furrowed, you'd think that Shoi-Ming wasn't the cowardly man you hear about from sect to sect, just to make fun. He'd forgotten that he's in a bad position to speak.
That Shoi-Ming should face this, okay, he doesn't expect anything from this character, even if he embodies him, but... the others? Come on, you're better than him, aren't you?
With all that, he got nothing; Talk about success!
"Do you have any idea where the corruption comes from? Are there any rituals that would bring out the demonic energy and take advantage of the purification ritual, where the barrier between the world of the dead and the living is at its thinnest?"
Kuan stares at Shoi-Ming with a look that seems to be crossed by a fleeting gleam of apology, then takes a deep breath before replying with a certain reluctance in his voice.
"I saw that things were taking an... unexpected turn. I thought it was best to look for backup, and that's when I found you. I, uh... I thought I was doing the right thing, but I can see how it might seem strange, even inappropriate."
He pauses, his expression betraying a certain tension, as if struggling to find the right words without revealing too much of his own feelings or secrets he'd prefer to keep.
As for Shoi-Ming's questions about corruption and possible rituals, Kuan shakes his head slightly, his gaze drifting briefly to the altar, still scarred by recent events, before returning to him.
"Your thoughts are... interesting, but unfortunately, I fear they may lead us astray more than anything else. Corruption is a complex scourge, and while the idea of harnessing demonic energy through ritual may seem appealing at first glance, it's... dangerous. This is not a path our sect can afford to explore."
His tone suggests closure, an end to discussion on this very subject, although the way he avoids it seems to indicate that there's more behind his words than he's willing to admit. The way he dissuades Shoi-Ming from pursuing this line of thought is almost too quick, too thoughtful, as if trying to divert his attention from a potentially disturbing truth.
He adds, trying to strengthen his argument while remaining vague on the details:
"It's true that times are turbulent, and that unusual measures could be envisaged. But we must also remember our principles, and the prudence that must guide our actions. To seek unconventional ways without a full understanding of the risks involved... would be foolhardy, even irresponsible."
Of the two, he was the specialist after all. His sect specialized in mystical arts and secret techniques.
He fled. So, there are more cowards than Shoi-Ming. Instead of helping, he just took off? Was he even there from the start? He'll have to ask the boss. Just to be sure, he'll confirm or deny his words.
Appealing? Afford?
His eyebrows remain furrowed and he crosses his arms with a more severe look. Unusual measures? This character....is that a name from his rpg? He should remember that and try to see if he can get info from him from someone else, for example Zi Xuan.
He's not sure, he gives him an almost Jun Hie-like impression. A traitor? Hmm, he'd rather not comment on that. In any case...
"You seem well-informed for someone who claims the subject is thorny. In the end, all you're doing is talking vaguely and broadly without discrediting this kind of practice, without really mentioning what you think about it."
Although he speaks calmly, his tone is more sarcastic and when he realizes his slight hostility, he grimaces inwardly. What the hell is he doing? He doesn't want to incur the wrath of another NPC, or even an entire sect, that's not how he's going to survive.
Bringing his hand up to his mouth to clear his throat for a moment, he resumes a neutral attitude.
"Well, I haven't got much time, so I won't look any further, but we need to find the source of these problems. We're not here to accuse each other but to resolve the situation as quickly as possible, then - and only then - can we delve deeper into the person or persons responsible."
Bowing his head and clasping his fist to his palm in a sign of respect, he joins the sect's master to repeat the same courtesy.
"Zhangmen, please excuse my intrusion, I need to know the details of the ritual you performed. Did you notice anything unusual? Was your shidi with you during the ritual? Do you have any idea what might have caused this problem? The same thing happened to our sect, so Zi Xuan shixiong sent me to inquire about the situation on your side."
He takes on a softer, more concerned expression, as if to show him that he's not alone in this ordeal.
The sect's master, Long Feng, greets Shoi-Ming with an expression mixed with concern and gratitude. He looks exhausted, but his eyes light up with a hint of hope when he sees someone from another sect taking the trouble to inquire about their situation.
"We followed all the necessary preparations for the ritual, without any deviation. "
His voice is firm, but betrays a hint of dismay at the incomprehensibility of events.
"Everything seemed to be going according to plan until the altar suddenly began to overflow with a dark, tumultuous energy. It was as if an outside force was trying to disrupt the ritual," he pauses, seeming to gather his thoughts before continuing. "My shidi, Kuan, was indeed with me. We worked side by side to keep the ritual stable. But when things started to go wrong, I sent him for help. However, I couldn't find him after that... until the ritual ended in chaos."
Long Feng shakes his head, his gaze briefly drifting into space, as if reliving those moments of confusion.
"The celestial dragon descended, as tradition dictates, but the negative energy that emanated from the altar was... abnormal, unlike anything we have experienced in the past."
He suddenly looks older, the weight of recent events heavy on his shoulders.
"We have managed to contain the situation, but I fear that, without understanding the source of this corruption, we are vulnerable to a repeat of these events."
Long Feng stared at Shoi-Ming, his gaze filled with a silent request for help, or at least for some shared knowledge that might enlighten them on what to do next.
"If other sects have experienced similar situations, then we need to collaborate. Perhaps we should consider a meeting between the leaders of the different sects to discuss these disturbances and how to resolve them together."