Chapter 22: The Secret of the Runes

When Lin Yao finally opened her eyes again, she felt a surge of warmth and serenity, as if every inch of strength within her body was gradually returning. Qin Yao was still holding her tightly, his eyes filled with worry and an indescribable complexity of emotions.

"Yao Yao, how do you feel?" Qin Yao's voice was deep and gentle, his fingers softly brushing through her hair.

Lin Yao smiled faintly and nodded. "I'm fine, just feeling a bit strange. That light… what was it?"

Her gaze shifted to the sky as she spoke. The mysterious light still enveloped them, radiating a dazzling brilliance, like an ancient rune array quietly at work.

Qin Yao was silent for a moment, his eyes fixed on the runic array in the sky. "I don't know either, but this light is no coincidence. Its power… is too overwhelming. Even the resurgence of the 'Source' couldn't fully counteract it. It looks like some kind of divine force."

Lin Yao's eyes flickered slightly, a vague sense of unease rising within her. She had heard legends before, records of ancient runes—not only could they seal all darkness, but they also served as a bridge between souls and unknown entities. The power represented by these runes might have already transcended their understanding.

"Divine force?" Lin Yao repeated softly, confusion flashing across her face. "That's impossible… If this really is a divine power, why would it appear in this world?"

Qin Yao clasped her hand tightly, gazing deeply into her eyes. "The only thing we can do now is to figure out what's behind this light and these runes."

The two of them stared at the light in the sky, the questions and unease in their hearts growing deeper. The appearance of this light not only signaled the end of the beasts but also suggested they were about to face a far more complex situation.

A Call from the Ancients

As they deliberated, Lin Yao's body suddenly shuddered, her face turning pale. She hurriedly grabbed Qin Yao's arm, pain flashing in her eyes.

"Yao Yao?" Qin Yao lowered his head quickly, his voice filled with concern. "What's wrong?"

Lin Yao gritted her teeth. "I… I think I heard a voice… It's like… a calling."

Qin Yao frowned, sharply aware of her change. "A calling? What kind of voice?"

Lin Yao gently closed her eyes. In her ears, a low, indistinct voice seemed to echo in her mind. Though not entirely clear, it was strangely vivid.

"…Come… come forth… Embrace the baptism of destiny…"

The voice, like a whisper, carried an irresistible power, as if coming from a distant abyss.

Qin Yao felt Lin Yao's body grow colder and tightened his hold around her. "Yao Yao, don't worry. Everything will be alright!"

Lin Yao shook her head, a complicated expression flashing in her eyes. "This voice… it seems to be connected to the runic array."

Qin Yao was stunned by her words, gripping her shoulders firmly as he whispered, "You mean this runic array is tied to the source of the voice?"

Lin Yao nodded. "Exactly. This light might be some kind of seal, and the voice… it might be coming from within the seal. It's calling for something—or someone."

Unknown Peril

At that moment, the light from the runic array above suddenly dimmed, and the entire city was once again shrouded in a dense black mist. The oppressive air grew heavier in an instant. Lin Yao looked up sharply at the sky, the low voice resounding in her mind once more.

"Come, child… Embrace the call of destiny…"

Her heart pounded violently, as if some immense power was summoning her.

Qin Yao's expression turned grim. "Yao Yao, what's happening?"

Lin Yao clenched her teeth. "This power… it's growing stronger. It's… it's affecting me!"

Just then, the light in the sky grew blindingly bright again. The runes started to distort, and cracks appeared in the once-stable array, as if some powerful entity was trying to break through the seal.

"We can't wait any longer!" Qin Yao grabbed Lin Yao's hand tightly. "We must immediately find the source of this runic array and stop its collapse!"

Lin Yao nodded. Without hesitation, the two of them rushed toward the center of the array. As they moved closer, the air grew heavier, and it felt as if the entire world was tilting with the breaking of the array.

They had to uncover the truth behind it all—before the world was no longer theirs.

To Be Continued…