Thunder and lightning ravaged the sky of the Land of Lingering Spirits for three full days. When the last bolt of lightning retreated into the dark clouds, the entire world fell into an eerie silence. Inside the Starlight Workshop, the tense atmosphere had almost solidified.
Pan Xuebin stood before the holographic map in the center of the workshop, light threads flowing at his fingertips, outlining a 3D model of the Land of Lingering Spirits. The red areas representing energy fluctuations had spread from the edges to the center, with only a few regions remaining a stable blue.
"The situation is worse than we imagined," his voice was exceptionally clear in the silent workshop. "Over sixty percent of the area shows structural damage, and the damage is accelerating."
Lin Zhengying adjusted the energy monitor in his hand, his brow furrowed: "The energy readings from the Abyss of Forgetting have reached a historical peak. Something is awakening there."
Wu Mengda uneasedly gnawed on a virtual chicken leg, crumbs falling to the floor: "How about we make a strategic retreat for now? Wait until that thing goes back to sleep and then we'll talk?"
Shen Dianxia slapped the back of his head: "Retreat? Retreat where? The Land of Lingering Spirits is our final destination!"
Huang Jiaju gently strummed his guitar strings, the notes condensing into a shape of worry in the air: "Music tells me the tone of the entire world is changing. Cheerful melodies have become sorrowful, and calm chords are filled with anxiety."
Anita Mui stood by the window, gazing at the increasingly dense darkness in the distance: "Even the light of the Rainbow Bridge has dimmed. The Melody Realm must have been affected too."
As if responding to her concern, the workshop's Communication Magic Array flickered. The consciousness core of the Melody Realm appeared in the image of Bruce Lee, but its form was more blurry than ever before.
"Friends, things are not good on our end," the consciousness core's voice carried static. "The fluctuations from the Abyss of Forgetting are polluting the pure energy of the Melody Realm. If this continues, we might devolve into primitive emotion devourers."
Pan Xuebin took a deep breath: "We are preparing to organize an exploration team to venture into the Abyss of Forgetting. Only by finding the source of the problem can this crisis be thoroughly resolved."
The image of the consciousness core flickered: "It's too dangerous. Historically, no soul has ever returned from the Abyss Core unscathed."
"Precisely because it is dangerous, we must go," Bruce Lee's true form appeared at the workshop entrance at some point. "Escaping has never been a solution to any problem."
Silence fell upon the workshop; everyone understood what the upcoming decision entailed.
Pan Xuebin surveyed everyone and began to name them: "Uncle Ying, Uncle Da, Jiaju, Sister Mei, Brother, the five of you will come with me. Sister Fei, Dina, Brother Zhong, you will stay and guard the workshop, responsible for communications and support."
Those called nodded one after another, their expressions resolute. Zhou Zhonghai protested, holding up his wok: "Why aren't you taking me? My culinary tactics might be useful in the Abyss!"
Pan Xuebin shook his head: "The workshop needs someone to guard it. If we fail in the Abyss, this place will be the last line of defense."
Shen Dianxia anxiously grabbed Pan Xuebin's arm: "You must come back, promise me."
Pan Xuebin patted her hand, offering no reply.
Preparations proceeded urgently. Lin Zhengying prepared various protective talismans, Huang Jiaju tuned his guitar, Anita Mui and Leslie Cheung prepared performance props, while Wu Mengda... stuffed all sorts of virtual snacks into his pockets.
"Brother Da, why are you bringing these useless things?" Huang Jiaju couldn't help but ask.
Wu Mengda retorted righteously: "Who knows how long we'll be stuck in that godforsaken place? How can we fight on an empty stomach?"
Pan Xuebin was busy at the workshop's workbench, light threads weaving into various peculiar devices in his hands. There were headbands to stabilize emotions, glasses to detect energy flow, and badges that could activate a protective shield in critical moments.
"One standard set of equipment for everyone," he distributed the finished products to the exploration team members. "The headbands will help you maintain sanity, the glasses can see energy flow, and the badges will automatically activate when a fatal threat is detected."
Bruce Lee inspected the equipment and nodded in satisfaction: "Very thorough. But the real danger might come from unexpected places."
Just then, a commotion erupted outside the workshop. Shing Fui-on's gruff voice rang out:
"With such an exciting event happening, how could we possibly be absent?"
Everyone turned to see the "villains" from the Villa of Villains marching in a grand procession outside the workshop. Shing Fui-on, Shih Kien, Lo Mang, Billy Lau... all the classic villain characters were present, fully armed.
Pan Xuebin stepped forward in surprise: "Brother Big Fool, what is this...?"
Shing Fui-on patted his chest: "You're going to risk your lives in the Abyss, how can we stand by? Don't forget, villains have their pride too!"
Shih Kien's signature sinister laugh carried sincerity now: "Yes, if the Land of Lingering Spirits is finished, who will we villains have to cause trouble for?"
Lo Mang added: "Besides, how can all the good deeds of saving the world be monopolized by the good guys?"
Wu Mengda was so touched he almost cried: "Brother Big Fool... Uncle Kien... you guys..."
Almost simultaneously, another team arrived. Hui Guan-ying and Bill Tung led the comedians from Comedy Villa, each with a serious expression, a stark contrast to their usual comedic personas.
"How can such an important matter be without us elites from the comedy world?" Hui Guan-ying straightened his habitually hunched back. "Don't forget, laughter is the most powerful weapon!"
Bill Tung led his horse, which had returned to normal: "Even my horse is willing to contribute to saving the world!"
Following them, more souls arrived from all directions. James Wong led his songwriting guard, Zhuang Nu led a group of music creators, and even the usually solitary Dina unfolded her modified mechanical wings, hovering in the air.
Soon, hundreds of souls gathered before the workshop, all deceased stars from the Hong Kong and Taiwan entertainment industry. They might have competed in life, or had vastly different personalities, but now they all stood together for a common goal.
Pan Xuebin looked at the magnificent scene, a warmth welling up in his heart. In his previous life, as an ordinary technician, he had never imagined leading such a special team after death.
Bruce Lee walked to his side and said softly: "See? This is the power of unity."
Pan Xuebin nodded, ascended the steps before the workshop, and his voice carried across the entire square:
"Thank you all for your support! But the Abyss of Forgetting is too dangerous, I cannot let everyone go."
Protests immediately erupted from the square.
Pan Xuebin raised his hand to signal for quiet: "I understand everyone's feelings. Therefore, I have decided to form a vanguard team to enter the Abyss, while others will be divided into several support groups to establish defense lines and supply stations on the periphery of the Abyss."
This compromise was approved by everyone. After a quick deliberation, the vanguard team was formed by Pan Xuebin, Lin Zhengying, Bruce Lee, Huang Jiaju, and Shing Fui-on – a combination of technology, combat, music, and... well, villainous traits?
"Why me?" Shing Fui-on was both surprised and delighted.
Pan Xuebin smiled: "Because sometimes, to deal with darkness, a little... less-than-bright means are needed."
Wu Mengda grumbled indignantly: "What about me? I'm a veteran!"
Anita Mui pulled him aside: "Brother Da, you have a more important mission – to be in charge of liaising with the various support groups. This job is for you and no one else!"
Only then did Wu Mengda's worry turn to joy: "That's more like it! When it comes to connections, I'm second to no one!"
Preparations continued. Under the command of Shen Dianxia and Zhou Zhonghai, the various support groups were quickly formed, responsible for medical care, supplies, communication, and defense. Dina used her mechanical wings for aerial reconnaissance, while Hui Guan-ying and Bill Tung led the comedy group to be responsible for... boosting morale?
"Don't forget, laughter can dispel darkness!" Hui Guan-ying said confidently.
As dusk fell, all preparations were complete. The vanguard team stood at the border between the Land of Lingering Spirits and the Abyss of Forgetting, with the vast supporting army behind them.
The sight before them made even the bravest souls hearts pound. The Abyss of Forgetting was not colorful like other parts of the Land of Lingering Spirits, but a pure darkness. That darkness was so deep, it seemed capable of swallowing all light and sound. Occasionally, strange flashes darted through the darkness, like the final breaths of dying stars.
Lin Zhengying's monitor emitted a piercing alarm: "Internal energy readings of the Abyss are off the charts. Everyone must be extremely careful."
Huang Jiaju strummed a few notes; the guitar sound vanished as soon as it entered the darkness, with no echo: "Even music is being swallowed..."
Shing Fui-on tightened his grip on his virtual weapon: "Damn, this place is scarier than any role I've played."
Only Bruce Lee remained calm: "Remember, fear stems from the unknown. Once we step into it, it won't be so terrifying."
Pan Xuebin completed his final equipment check, then turned to the support team: "Wait for our signal. If there's no news after three days..."
Shen Dianxia interrupted him: "Don't say unlucky things! We'll wait for your triumphant return!"
Under the gaze of hundreds of eyes, the vanguard team took a historic step, entering that all-consuming darkness.
The instant their figures disappeared, on the rock face at the edge of the abyss, a subtle crack quietly widened. Within the crack, something seemed to writhe, to observe.
And in the deepest part of the Abyss, those ethereal eyes opened once more. This time, there was a hint of... anticipation?
The game had begun.