The Catacombs of the Forgotten about
Li Xueyan took a deep breath as the stone gate slowly opened. A cold wind rushed out from the darkness beyond, carrying the scent of dust and decay.
"This place feels... wrong," Ling whispered, stepping back.
Hei Yue growled low in Xueyan's mind. "There is something ancient in there. Be careful."
Zhiwei grinned. "Too late to turn back now." He stepped forward into the catacombs.
Xueyan tightened her grip on her sword and followed.
---
Into the Darkness
The passage beyond the gate was narrow, the walls covered in strange carvings. Their lanterns cast flickering shadows as they moved carefully.
Ling ran a hand over the stone. "These symbols are old. Maybe older than the empire itself."
Xueyan's fingers brushed against one of the carvings. A chill ran up her spine. "They feel… alive."
Suddenly, the ground beneath them trembled.
BOOM.
A heavy stone door slammed shut behind them.
Ling gasped. "The entrance! It's closed!"
Xueyan spun around, but the way back was blocked. "We have no choice now. We keep moving."
Hei Yue's voice was calm. "Something does not want us here."
Zhiwei smirked. "Then let's prove we belong."
---
The First Trial
The corridor opened into a wide chamber. At the center stood a large stone statue of a warrior holding a spear. The walls were lined with skeletons, their empty eyes staring into nothing.
Ling shivered. "I don't like this."
Xueyan stepped forward carefully. "Stay alert."
As she moved, the statue's eyes glowed red.
Then, it moved.
With a loud crack, the stone warrior raised its spear and charged.
"Move!" Xueyan shouted, dodging just in time.
Zhiwei drew his sword and slashed at the statue, but the blade barely left a scratch. "It's too strong!"
Hei Yue's voice echoed in Xueyan's mind. "Aim for the eyes! The glow is its weakness!"
Xueyan leaped forward, her sword aimed at the statue's face. With a quick strike, she hit one of its glowing eyes. The red light flickered.
"It's working!" Ling shouted.
Zhiwei followed, attacking the other eye. With one final hit, the statue crumbled into dust.
Xueyan caught her breath. "That was just the first challenge."
Ling wiped her forehead. "How many more will there be?"
Zhiwei laughed. "Enough to make this interesting."
---
The Whispering Shadows
They continued down the passage, the air growing colder. The walls dripped with moisture, and strange whispers filled the air.
Ling's face was pale. "Do you hear that?"
Xueyan nodded. The voices were soft but endless, like hundreds of people whispering at once.
Suddenly, dark shapes moved in the corners of the room. Shadows stretched and twisted, forming figures with glowing eyes.
Zhiwei held his sword tightly. "Ghosts?"
One of the figures lunged. Xueyan swung her blade, but it passed through the shadow like smoke.
"Our swords won't work!" Ling shouted.
Hei Yue's voice was firm. "Use fire. Shadows fear the light."
Xueyan reached into her pouch and pulled out a small fire talisman. She pressed it against the wall, and flames burst to life.
The shadows shrieked and retreated into the darkness.
Zhiwei grinned. "That worked. We should hurry before they return."
Ling nodded quickly. "Agreed."
---
The Guardian's Warning
They reached another large chamber, this one filled with golden treasures, old weapons, and scrolls stacked high.
Xueyan's eyes widened. "This is…"
Before she could finish, a deep voice rumbled through the chamber.
"Who dares enter my domain?"
A towering figure stepped from the shadows—a ghostly warrior clad in ancient armor. His eyes glowed like fire.
Zhiwei tightened his grip on his sword. "Great. Another guardian."
The warrior raised his blade. "You seek the secrets of the past. But do you have the strength to claim them?"
Xueyan stepped forward. "We are here for answers. Not treasure."
The warrior's eyes studied her. "Then prove yourself."
With a swift motion, he swung his sword. Xueyan barely dodged, the blade slicing through the air beside her.
"Careful!" Ling warned.
Zhiwei attacked, but the warrior blocked every strike with ease.
Xueyan's mind raced. "He's too fast!"
Hei Yue spoke in her thoughts. "He is testing you. Show him your will."
Xueyan took a deep breath. She stepped forward, meeting the warrior's gaze.
"I am Li Xueyan, daughter of the fallen Li Clan. I fight not for greed, but for justice!"
The warrior paused. Then, slowly, he lowered his sword.
"Your heart is strong." His voice softened. "Then you are worthy."
With a wave of his hand, a hidden door opened behind him.
"Go. But remember—some truths should remain buried."
---
A Secret Revealed
They stepped through the doorway into a small chamber. At the center stood an ancient stone tablet, covered in faded writing.
Ling's eyes widened. "This… this is a record of the first emperor's reign!"
Xueyan traced the words with her fingers. "And it speaks of a hidden power beneath the palace."
Zhiwei smirked. "Looks like we found what we were looking for."
Ling swallowed. "But should we?"
Hei Yue growled. "Curiosity is dangerous, little one."
Xueyan clenched her fists. "I need to know the truth. No matter what it is."
She reached for the stone tablet, feeling the weight of history pressing down on her.
And as her fingers touched the cold surface, the ground beneath them trembled once more.
Something had awakened.