Summary

Jianzhu takes Yun and Kyoshi on Pengpeng to perform what Jianzhu calls “a spiritual exercise" (124) He explains that they are going to try and commune with a spirit that was recently injured by environmental destruction. Jianzhu has Yun and Kyoshi meditate, something Kyoshi has never done before. He lights a strange incense which quickly alters both Kyoshi and Yun’s mental state, making them relaxed and less focused. Suddenly, she sees a massive eye blinking at her from a hole in the earth. Kyoshi tries to scream and run away but realizes she cannot move or even speak. The eye, a spirit who Jianzhu greets as Father Glowworm and who addresses Jianzhu as “Architect”, with familiarity. Jianzhu asks for help in determining if Yun or Kyoshi is the Avatar, and Father Glowworm tells Jianzhu he needs their blood.

The spirit sends out visceral...