A Western Kid’s Journey into the Eastern Cultivation World

Jack gritted his teeth, the pain from the erratic surges of power in his chest nearly blinding him. The merged orb felt like a searing hot coal, burning through his veins with each uncontrollable pulse. Elder Li's golden light formed a protective barrier around them, but the dark mist - creature was relentless, pounding against it with claws that seemed to corrode the magical shield with every strike.

"Jack, we need a plan!" Lyra shouted, her eyes darting between the creature and the swirling portals. "Those things are getting bigger!"

Indeed, the pitch - black portals in the walls and ceiling were expanding, the tendrils of dark mist pouring out in greater volume. The air grew colder, and frost began to cover every surface, turning the chamber into an icy, menacing prison.

The Keeper, still wielding the crystal shard, circled the barrier, looking for an opening to attack. "If we can't hurt it directly, we need to find its weakness!" she called out.

Jack's vision swam, but an idea sparked in his mind. The tome! He fumbled for the ancient book, its pages now glowing faintly in response to the surrounding chaos. As he flipped through it, a particular passage caught his eye—an illustration of a similar mist - like entity, with symbols indicating that it drew strength from the negative emotions of its victims.

"Our fear... it's making it stronger!" Jack yelled, his voice strained. "We have to stay calm!"

But staying calm was easier said than done. The creature let out a deafening screech and launched itself at the barrier with such force that it shattered, sending Elder Li flying backwards. The old man hit the wall hard, his staff clattering to the ground.

The dark figure lunged at Lyra, who barely managed to roll out of the way. Its claws raked across the floor, leaving deep, smoking gashes. Jack knew they were running out of time. Summoning every ounce of his willpower, he focused on the power within him, trying to channel it into a coherent attack.

Suddenly, a strange sensation washed over him. He could feel the energy of the portals, a cold, malevolent current that seemed to be connected to the creature. And beneath that, there was a faint, rhythmic pulse—a key, perhaps, to closing the portals.

"Lyra, the tome!" Jack shouted, tossing the book to her. "Find anything about closing these portals!"

As Lyra frantically searched the pages, Jack stepped forward, his body still wracked with pain but his determination unwavering. He held out his hands, and a mixture of multicolored energy from the orb and a dark, swirling force from the portals intertwined around his fingers. The creature seemed to sense the threat and turned its attention to him, screeching as it charged.

At that moment, Lyra looked up, her eyes wide. "I found it! There's a symbol we need to recreate using a combination of light and dark magic!"

Jack nodded. "Keeper, help me hold it off. Elder Li, if you can, channel your light magic!"

The Keeper leaped into action, slashing at the creature with the crystal shard, while Elder Li, despite his injuries, picked up his staff and began to chant. Golden light surrounded him once again, and he sent streams of energy towards the creature, slowing it down.

Jack focused on the symbol Lyra had described, visualizing it in his mind. The combined energy in his hands began to take shape, forming the intricate design. As the symbol glowed brightly, the portals started to shudder, and the dark mist - creature let out a howl of anger and pain.

But just as it seemed they were about to succeed, a new, even larger portal ripped open in the center of the chamber. A figure emerged, cloaked in shadows, and its presence alone sent a wave of pure dread through Jack and his companions. The battle had just become a whole lot more dangerous, and they weren't sure if they had the strength to