Loss and Hope

Wan Lingyue's heart raced violently, as if it were about to leap out of her chest. She stared at the soiled piece of clothing, and in a daze, images of Wu Ge's smile filled her mind—his warm gaze seemed so distant in that moment. Her hands trembled, overwhelmed by a tumult of emotions, and despair washed over her like a tide, nearly drowning her.

"Wan Lingyue, we need your confirmation," the leader's voice broke through her thoughts. Wan Lingyue forced a nod; though her heart ached, she knew she couldn't show weakness now. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she slowly approached the garment, trying to calm her racing thoughts.

"This is Wu Ge's clothing," her voice was faint but clear. At that moment of confirmation, tears streamed down her face, and the pain in her heart felt like it was tearing her apart. "Something has happened to him..."

"We will continue the search," the leader said, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder, but to Wan Lingyue, these words felt powerless, unable to soothe the fear and guilt stirring deep within her.

Time seemed to freeze in that instant, and everyone's gaze was fixed on her, an invisible pressure thickening the air. Wan Lingyue felt suffocated, a surge of determination rising within her. She could no longer bear this helplessness; Wu Ge was somewhere unknown, waiting for her rescue.

"We can't wait any longer!" she suddenly declared, her voice echoing in the hospital. Everyone turned to her, surprise and hesitation flickering in their eyes.

"I will find him! No matter what it takes, I will find Wu Ge!" Her voice was resolute and strong.

"Wan Lingyue, you can't take that risk!" The leader's tone was anxious, his eyes filled with concern. "That area has been declared a no-go zone, and everyone who has entered has vanished! We must follow safety protocols!"

"I understand, but I can't just sit here and do nothing!" Wan Lingyue's emotions flared, her eyes burning with determination. "I can't let Wu Ge wait too long; he must be waiting for me!"

Her words moved those around her, and several young rescue team members exchanged glances, seemingly inspired by her resolve. After a brief silence, one of the team members finally stepped forward. "We are willing to go with you. After all, we are all fighting for the same goal."

Others nodded in agreement, and the atmosphere began to shift with newfound energy. Wan Lingyue felt a surge of warmth in her heart; although the path ahead was fraught with uncertainty and danger, she was no longer alone. She realized that this was not just her battle; it was theirs as well.

"Alright, everyone prepare your gear; we leave at once!" Wan Lingyue declared, determination igniting within her. She knew that only by facing the challenges head-on could she find hope for Wu Ge.

As night fell, Wan Lingyue and the rescue team once again set out along the perilous mountain path leading to the no-go zone. The air was thick with tension, and the trees around them loomed ominously in the moonlight. Wan Lingyue gripped the jade pendant tightly, feeling it warm slightly in her palm, as if responding to her resolve.

Meanwhile, at the bottom of the cliff, Wu Ge lay on a stone bed, groggily opening his eyes. "Where am I? Am I dead?" He slowly sat up, confused, taking in his surroundings. It was a cave, furnished only with a stone bench, a stone table, and the bed he lay on. "Have I been saved?"

As he pondered this, a faint, ethereal voice broke his thoughts. "You're awake?" Wu Ge turned toward the source of the voice and saw a mysterious old man sitting cross-legged on the ground. Wu Ge hurriedly got off the bed and bowed. "Elder, you saved me again? But where is this place?"

The old man smiled gently, a flicker of kindness in his eyes. "You needn't worry. This is the cave where I reside. You were afflicted by evil energy while searching for an exit; if it weren't for that ancient jade protecting you, I couldn't have saved you."

Wu Ge was taken aback, recalling the moment—"Elder, do you know... how is Wan Lingyue?"

"She is fine; that little girl is also quite fortunate. But it seems she has returned to look for you."

Hearing the old man's words, Wu Ge felt a heavy stone lift from his heart. He took a deep breath; although he was in a perilous situation, as long as Wan Lingyue was safe, he wouldn't sink into complete despair.

"She has returned to look for me?" Wu Ge's voice carried a hint of urgency, worry surging within him. "She shouldn't have taken the risk to enter the no-go zone; the evil energy there is too strong!"

The old man regarded him with a glimmer of approval. "She cares for you deeply, willing to risk anything for you. Such feelings can empower her in adversity."

Wu Ge felt warmth welling in his heart and became even more resolute. "I can't just stay here; I must hurry back to find her! Please, elder, teach me how to leave this place!"

The old man nodded slightly, his expression turning serious. "To leave, you still lack strength. This cave is bound by over a dozen seals connecting it to the outside world, and the only way a mortal can leave has now become tainted by evil energy."