Chapter 4 The Ancient Ritual of Endowment

The day of the red and full moon had arrived, and the celestial alignment was perfect. The monastery grounds were drenched in the eerie red glow of the moon, a rare sight that occurred only once in a generation. The six grandmasters of the Jade Monastery gathered in the sacred upper chamber, their faces illuminated by the soft, crimson light.

Master Quin Dao, the leader of the grandmasters, stood before the Altar of the Three Pure Ones. Lael's unconscious body had been carefully placed on the altar of endowment, a marble surface etched with intricate symbols and mystic runes. The other masters encircled the altar, each carrying the weight of their ancient traditions and responsibilities.

As the six grandmasters raised their hands in unison, they began to chant the ancient incantation "Jau Yue" of the three pure deities. The harmonious resonance of their voices filled the chamber, invoking powers that transcended the boundaries of the physical world.

The moment the incantation began, the cosmos reacted. The sky darkened, and flashes of lightning forked across the heavens. The ground quaked, and mountains trembled in response to the potent energies being summoned. Forces from the earth, wind, fire, and the vast seas converged upon the monastery, drawn by the powerful ritual unfolding within.

The grandmasters remained undeterred, their voices unwavering as they chanted the incantation. They could feel the tremendous surge of energy, akin to a torrent of ancient magic, moving through the Jade Monastery and entering Lael's body. It was as if the very elements of the universe were aligning to empower him.

While the world above was shaken by the ritual's intensity, dark forces in the underworld and cosmic realms sensed the emergence of a great warrior. A chill of dread swept through their ranks, for they understood that this event foretold their impending doom.

As the hours passed, the grandmasters marveled at Lael's body's resilience. It absorbed the ancient magic with incredible strength and fortitude. The ritual was a testament to their mastery of Taoism and their unwavering determination to create a legendary vanquisher of evil.

By the time the sun began to rise on the horizon, the ritual was finally complete. Lael's body was now a vessel imbued with the powers of the three pure gods of Taoism. The grandmasters had succeeded beyond their wildest expectations. The monastery's legacy was secure, and the world would soon witness the emergence of a formidable warrior.

The grandmasters exchanged glances, a mixture of exhaustion and awe reflected in their eyes. They had achieved what hadn't been done in seven thousand years, and the consequences of their actions were far-reaching and profound.

One crucial aspect remained-the awakening of Lael. In a normal ritual, it would take three days for the subject to regain consciousness. During that time, their spirit would journey to the sanctuary of the ancient gods of purity to receive teachings and training. Lael would be instructed by the gods themselves in the 3000 techniques of martial arts, an experience that would transform him into an immortal and a demigod.

The grandmasters watched over Lael's inert form, waiting for the moment when he would awaken, reborn as a force to be reckoned with in the battle between good and evil. The cosmos held its breath, as the legend of Lael Jones was about to unfold, and the fate of Earth and beyond hung in the balance.