Chapter 19: The Dawn of Doomsday

As the sealing of the "Source" was completed, Qin Yao and Lin Yao nearly collapsed to their knees in front of the altar. The surrounding darkness gradually dissipated, and the tremors shaking the city finally ceased. Yet, they knew the peace before them was only temporary.

"Did we… succeed?" Lin Yao asked weakly, her face pale, as if speaking even a single word required immense effort.

Qin Yao looked down at her, his gaze filled with tenderness, and extended a hand to help her up. "We succeeded, Yao Yao. We did it."

The mysterious figure stood not far away, his gaze fixed on the city in the distance, his eyes full of complex emotions. "Your sacrifices were worth it, but the future of this city is far from simple."

"What do you mean?" Qin Yao, supporting Lin Yao, turned to the figure with caution.

The mysterious figure remained silent for a moment before turning around, his face emotionless as he said, "Although the 'Source' has been sealed, the chain reaction it caused has already planted deeper crises within this city. Do you think it's all over? In fact, this is only the beginning of a much larger conspiracy."

Qin Yao frowned. "A bigger conspiracy? Are you saying…"

"'The Source's creation was not merely a human experiment involving the beasts. It represents a much older existence, a power far beyond the 'Source' itself. You have touched upon the forbidden, something that foretells the arrival of an apocalypse from thousands of years ago," the mysterious figure's voice was low and cold, as if carried from ancient times.

Lin Yao's face turned even paler as she struggled to ask, "Then what should we do now?"

The mysterious figure looked at them, a trace of helplessness flashing in his eyes. "You have already given so much for this city, but it is not enough. The real enemy still waits in the shadows."

Qin Yao took a deep breath, his gaze firm. "No matter what, we'll stand together until the end."

The mysterious figure remained silent for a moment before letting out a faint smile. "You two are quite the surprise, your bond so unwavering." There was a hint of complexity in his tone. "Very well, if you choose to continue, then prepare to face even greater challenges."

As soon as he finished speaking, the surrounding space shifted again. The energy fluctuations from the altar intensified, seemingly signaling the arrival of a new danger.

"Your journey is far from over," the mysterious figure said before vanishing into thin air, leaving only a faint, low echo behind.

"What should we do?" Lin Yao turned to Qin Yao, unease flashing in her eyes.

Qin Yao held her hand tightly, his voice gentle but resolute. "No matter what we face, we'll move forward together. I promise, no matter what happens, I will protect you until the very end."

Lin Yao nodded lightly, her gaze full of trust. "I believe you."

At that moment, an eerie sound came from the distance, as if something monstrous was approaching. The ground trembled faintly again, and a familiar dark aura began to permeate the air.

"What is that?" Qin Yao stared at the distance warily, his hand moving instinctively to the hilt of his sword.

"It seems… a new challenge has arrived," Lin Yao said, gripping his hand firmly, her eyes brimming with determination. "We'll face it together."

A dark shadow hurtled closer from afar, accompanied by a piercing screech, like a creature crawling out of the abyss. As the shadow approached, the temperature in the city plummeted, and an icy aura enveloped the surroundings.

"Are you ready?" Qin Yao asked in a low voice, a faint smirk on his face.

"Always ready," Lin Yao replied softly, her gaze meeting Qin Yao's, their hearts seemingly intertwined.

Ahead of them lay an unprecedented crisis. The enemy was assembling in the shadows, and their fate was about to be irrevocably changed.

To Be Continued…