Chapter 23: Unlocking the Secret of the Runes名

Lin Yao and Qin Yao moved swiftly through shattered streets and collapsed buildings, heading toward the center of the rune formation. The air grew heavier with an invisible pressure, as if the entire city held its breath, waiting for their arrival.

"Yao Yao, are you okay?" Qin Yao asked, his voice filled with concern as he held her hand tightly.

Although Lin Yao felt an irresistible force eroding her will, she gritted her teeth and pressed on. "I'm fine. We need to find the source quickly."

They crossed an abandoned plaza and finally arrived at a massive altar. At its center stood an ancient stone tablet, etched with intricate runes glowing faintly blue. The runes seemed alive, weaving mysterious forces across the altar.

"This is it…" Qin Yao's gaze locked onto the altar, his expression grave.

Lin Yao nodded. "This is the source—the core of the runes."

She stepped forward, gently touching the runes on the stone tablet. Instantly, a powerful surge of energy coursed through her body, flooding her mind with countless images and ancient knowledge. Though overwhelmed by the pain, her eyes grew distant, as though she were lost in another realm.

"Yao Yao!" Qin Yao quickly caught her, his voice urgent. "What's happening?"

Lin Yao slowly opened her eyes, a complex expression in them. "I… I saw the origin of these runes."

Her voice trembled as if recounting a profound and ancient truth. "These runes were created by a forgotten civilization to protect the world from the encroaching darkness. But an unknown force disrupted their balance, leading to the birth of the 'Source.'"

Qin Yao frowned deeply. "Disrupted the balance? Was it deliberate?"

Lin Yao nodded slightly. "Yes, there must be a deeper conspiracy. That voice… it comes from the core of the 'Source.'"

As her words fell, the altar's runes began to tremble violently. The blue light dimmed and turned crimson, and the pressure in the air grew nearly unbearable.

"This isn't good!" Qin Yao muttered, alarmed. "The runes are collapsing!"

Suddenly, a low rumble echoed as the ground beneath the city quaked violently. Cracks spread, and buildings crumbled around them. From the depths of the altar emerged a colossal shadow—a towering beast with eyes glowing an ominous red.

"It's here!" Lin Yao's voice was barely audible amidst the deafening noise as her body trembled uncontrollably.

"Yao Yao, don't be afraid!" Qin Yao pulled her close, his eyes resolute. "We'll face it together!"

The beast roared, unleashing a surge of dark energy that consumed everything in its path. Lin Yao closed her eyes tightly, her strength nearly drained, but she refused to fall.

"Yao Yao, focus!" Qin Yao urged. "You can do this!"

Taking a deep breath, Lin Yao summoned every ounce of her willpower. From deep within, a dormant power began to awaken. Her hands formed a series of intricate seals, unleashing a radiant light that pierced through the beast's core.

"Go!" she shouted, her voice echoing with determination as the light engulfed the creature entirely.

The beast howled in agony, writhing as its massive form began to disintegrate under the overwhelming light. However, the altar's runes grew increasingly unstable. The blue light was fully replaced by a blood-red glow, and the altar threatened to spiral out of control.

"Stop, Yao Yao!" Qin Yao yelled, desperation in his voice. "If this continues, the whole city will be destroyed!"

Lin Yao's face turned pale, her forehead slick with sweat. She gritted her teeth. "I… I can't stop…"

At the brink of her collapse, the altar's runes suddenly unleashed a powerful energy wave that enveloped the beast, sealing it entirely. The violent tremors subsided, the red glow faded, and a fragile peace returned to the city.

"It's finally… over," Lin Yao murmured weakly, a trace of relief in her eyes.

Qin Yao held her close, his gaze filled with tender concern. "Yao Yao, you did well."

She managed a faint smile, but her eyes gleamed with a steely resolve. "No… it's not over. The real danger is just beginning."

As her words hung in the air, a deep, otherworldly voice echoed once more from above the altar. The mysterious force had not disappeared but seemed to beckon them to go further…

To be continued…