Chapter 25: Zara World

Dao Wei slowly opened his eyes, his vision adjusting to the soft light around him. To his surprise, he was greeted by a sight that seemed almost too good to be real. A beautiful face, like something out of a fairy tale, hovered just above him. Her delicate features were framed by long, flowing hair, and her eyes sparkled with a mix of relief and concern. Instead of immediately rising, Dao Wei chose to savor the moment, hoping that she hadn't witnessed him lose control earlier.

"You're awake!" Liu Mingxia's voice was bright, a smile breaking across her pale face as she saw him stir.

Dao Wei blinked a few times, his mind still hazy from whatever had happened before. "What... what happened?" he asked, trying to piece together the fragmented memories of the earlier events.

"You... you collapsed," Liu Mingxia said, her voice trembling slightly as worry crept into her expression. "You almost stopped breathing." Her shoulders tensed as she spoke, and it was clear that she had been genuinely frightened for his life. "I-I... I'm sorry! I-I couldn't do more..."

The frustration in her voice was unmistakable, and Dao Wei could see how deeply she had been affected. She had been worried about him—truly worried. The thought warmed him, and for a brief moment, he felt a flicker of guilt for causing her such distress. But he quickly pushed it aside. There was no need for her to carry any burden of guilt.

He gave her a reassuring smile, one that conveyed his gratitude without words. Then, without warning, he swiftly got up from her lap, offering his hand to her in a gesture of camaraderie.

"None of that," he said firmly, his tone light but resolute. "Come on." He gestured for her to rise, his eyes filled with life and energy. Despite what had just happened, Dao Wei looked as if he hadn't just been at death's door. His skin had a healthy glow, his movements were fluid, and there was a vibrant spark in his eyes.

"W-What are—" Liu Mingxia started, clearly taken aback by his sudden burst of energy.

"Take my hand, let's go. All this sleeping got me fired up," Dao Wei interrupted, his voice full of enthusiasm. There was no time for dwelling on what had happened; he was ready to move forward, ready for whatever adventure lay ahead.

"O-Okay," Liu Mingxia stammered, her delicate fingers reaching out to grasp his hand. As she felt the warmth and strength in his grip, a soft blush crept across her cheeks, and a small, shy smile tugged at the corners of her lips. 'His hands are so strong and warm,' she thought, her heart fluttering in her chest. 'I want to keep holding onto them.'

Liu Mingxia couldn't remember the last time she felt so safe, so secure in someone's presence. All her life, she had been sheltered, protected by her father and the Sect as if she were a fragile little girl. No one had ever dared to get close to her, let alone take her hand so boldly. Yet here she was, walking beside this strange boy who had saved her life, and she found herself inexplicably drawn to him.

The more time she spent with Dao Wei, the more she realized how little she actually knew about him. His strength, his kindness, his mystery—everything about him intrigued her, pulled her in like a moth to a flame. As they continued their journey through the wonders of Zara World, she couldn't help but steal glances at him, her mind racing with thoughts she had never allowed herself to entertain before.

"Wei," she began, her voice softer now, almost hesitant. "You said that you were looking for someone..." Her gaze dropped, unable to maintain eye contact as she broached the subject that had been weighing on her mind.

"Yes," Dao Wei replied, his tone thoughtful as he recalled the mission that had brought him to this world. "One of my masters asked me to find her when I came to this world."

Her. The word echoed in Liu Mingxia's mind, and she felt a pang of something she couldn't quite name—was it jealousy? Worry? She didn't know, but the thought of Dao Wei searching for another woman gnawed at her. However, as she glanced at him and saw the determination in his eyes, she couldn't help but smile. He didn't seem to even know who this woman was, let alone harbor any feelings for her. And that, at least, was a small comfort.

A mischievous grin spread across Liu Mingxia's face as she walked beside him, her mind already plotting. 'Giggles, I'm going to make sure he's mine,' she thought, her spirits lifting with every step they took. The path ahead was uncertain, filled with dangers and mysteries, but Liu Mingxia was determined to stay by Dao Wei's side, no matter what. As they journeyed deeper into the forest, she couldn't shake the feeling that her life had just taken a turn she would never have expected—but one she was more than willing to embrace.

They set up camp for the night, the firelight flickering and casting a warm glow on their faces. Liu Mingxia couldn't help but steal glances at Dao Wei, her feelings for him growing stronger with each passing moment.

"Wei'er," she said softly, breaking the comfortable silence. "I know we've only known each other for a short time, but... I feel like I've found… I've found a true friend in you."

Dao Wei looked at her, his eyes reflecting the firelight. "I feel the same way, Mingxia."

Liu Mingxia smiled, a warmth spreading through her chest. She felt a deep connection to Dao Wei, one that went beyond mere friendship. They sat by the fire, sharing stories and dreams, she couldn't help but hope that their bond would only continue to grow stronger.

As the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, Dao Wei and Liu Mingxia lay down to rest, the sounds of the forest lulling them to sleep. Liu Mingxia closed her eyes, her thoughts filled with the day's adventures and the growing affection she felt for Dao Wei.

In her heart, she knew that their journey together was far from over, and she was eager to see where it would lead them. With Dao Wei by her side, she felt ready to face any challenge, and she couldn't wait to see what the future held for them both.

Leaving the campsite by daybreak, they had traveled for hours, and the forest seemed endless, but Dao Wei's determination and Liu Mingxia's growing respect for him kept them moving forward.

As they walked, Dao Wei's keen eyes caught sight of an unusual formation in the rock face to their right.

He paused, signaling Liu Mingxia to stop. "There's something over there," he said, pointing to the shadowy outline of what looked like a cave entrance.

Liu Mingxia peered into the dim light, her curiosity piqued. "Let's take a closer look."

They approached the cave, its entrance partially obscured by thick vines and moss. 

Dao Wei carefully pushed the foliage aside, revealing a dark, narrow passageway. "It looks ancient," he remarked, his voice echoing slightly. 

"There might be something valuable inside."

Giggles, "are you ready to find some treasure?" Liu Mingxia was clearly excited at this point, she'd been pent up the last few days.

"Sure, let's see what we can find." Dao Wei replied.

"That's what I like to hear! Come on then!"

Entering the cave was like moving to a different dimension. It had a total different vibe, full of lush vegetation but no light at all. The walls narrowed around them as they moved deeper into the darkness. 

Dao Wei produced a small, glowing stone from his pouch, illuminating their path. The light revealed intricate carvings and ancient inscriptions covering the walls, glowing faintly as if they held some hidden power.

The energy that came from within was unlike anything Dao Wei has experienced before, it was ancient.

What was more interesting was that it wasn't just mushrooms growing in the cave but all varieties of plants.

"I didn't know plants grew in caves." Liu Mingxia was surprised by the sudden change of scenery.

"I don't think they naturally did, but magically seeded." Dao Wei had already come to a conclusion that indeed he was dealing with the ancient arcane powers.

"What?" Chuckles, "magical beings are rare, and magic has been gone since the first era, Wei." Liu Mingxia's melodic voice was a soothing remedy in this unnatural place.

"I don't know, but I certainly sense a deep and ancient energy growing as we proceed." Dao Wei clasped his hands and continued investigating the area with his Spiritual Powers.

The two walked through the tunnel, following it's twists and turns. The strange energy grew stronger the further they went.

They walked and talked for what felt like an hour, the narrow passage led them into an opening on the other side of the cave. It was as if they had stepped into a dream world. The sky was covered in a seven-colored cloud that extended as far as the eye could see. 

Even with Dao Wei's Divine Eyes, he still couldn't see the end of this world. Mythical birds flew in the sky, and some were as huge as mountains, covering the sky and casting enormous shadows on the land below.

All sorts of mythical beasts could be seen roaming around: dragons, phoenixes, qilin, seven-winged eagles, golden tigers, thunderbirds, and so on. 

The view was majestic and could compel anyone to stay there forever.

"The Zara World really exists!" 

Liu Mingxia was full of awe and couldn't hide her expression. "This place is incredible," she whispered, her eyes wide with wonder. "These beasts... they're unlike anything I've ever seen."

"Zara World... Zara World," Dao Wei muttered, deep in thought. 

After all, it was said that Zara World fell during the Age of the Gods. How could it be here and completely recovered? Something was amiss.

Dao Wei paced around to see if he could find anything. 

Liu Mingxia watched him move around the place like someone who had lost something. She couldn't understand what could be more important and awe-inspiring than what was in front of them. But Dao Wei was different; he couldn't be judged by common sense.

After a while, he activated his Divine Eye. 

With the full utilization of the two, he could see the truth within the lies. 

"Indeed, it is an illusion," he sighed.

"Illusion?" Liu Mingxia was even more confused. "How can all this be an illusion?"

"Zara World was destroyed hundreds of thousands of years ago. How can it be here and fully recovered? How can all these mythical beasts who went extinct be here and alive?" Dao Wei pointed out. 

He then activated the Primordial Chaos Scripture to try and dispel the illusion.

A golden light appeared and engulfed both Dao Wei and Liu Mingxia. In a matter of seconds, they were in some desolate ruins. Although some buildings still stood, they were almost half or completely destroyed. The lands brimmed with endless life force as if they were on the verge of recovering. The place was desolate but still beautiful.

"What happened?" Liu Mingxia asked.