Ch 11

The trio exited the tomb in silence, their breaths coming out in heavy gasps. The oppressive energy was gone, but the lingering feeling of unease remained. The forest around them seemed eerily still, as though nature itself had been holding its breath.

Shu Yi leaned against a tree, her energy drained from breaking the curse. "That… was intense," she muttered, rubbing her temples.

Chen Wei nodded, his expression grim. "The curse is lifted, but something doesn't feel right. It ended too easily."

Xiao Fang raised an eyebrow. "Easily? Did we go through the same fight just now?" He sat on the ground, letting out an exaggerated groan. "I don't think my legs work anymore."

Shu Yi chuckled softly despite herself. "You're dramatic, Xiao Fang. But Chen Wei has a point. I felt something when I shattered the stone—like it wasn't the only thing binding the Wandering Scholar's soul."

Chen Wei stiffened. "You mean there's more to the curse?"

"I'm not sure," Shu Yi admitted, looking thoughtful. "But we've dealt with this for now. We should get back to the village and tell the elders. Maybe they'll have answers."

Xiao Fang groaned as he got back on his feet. "Great. Another long walk. Can we at least stop for food first?"

Shu Yi rolled her eyes. "You're always thinking about food."

"It's a valid concern!" Xiao Fang retorted, grinning.

---

A Village Transformed

By the time they returned to the village, night had fallen. The air was cool, and the streets were quiet. Yet, something felt different. The oppressive energy that had once loomed over the village was gone. Instead, there was a sense of peace.

As they approached the elder's house, villagers began to emerge from their homes. Their faces lit up when they saw the trio, and soon a small crowd had gathered around them.

"You've done it!" one of the villagers exclaimed. "The curse… it's gone!"

"The air feels lighter," another added. "We can finally breathe again!"

Shu Yi felt a pang of guilt at their gratitude. She wasn't sure if the curse was completely gone, but she couldn't bring herself to dampen their hope.

The elder stepped forward, his cane tapping against the ground. His eyes were filled with emotion as he bowed deeply. "You have given us freedom. For that, we are forever in your debt."

Shu Yi shook her head. "Don't thank us yet. There's still a lot we don't know. The stone we destroyed—it wasn't the only thing tying the Wandering Scholar's soul to this world. There may be more."

The elder's expression grew serious. "Then you must rest and prepare. Whatever remains, you have our full support."

---

Unveiling Hidden Secrets

That night, as the village celebrated their newfound freedom, Shu Yi, Chen Wei, and Xiao Fang gathered in a quiet corner of the elder's house. The elder had provided them with a map—an ancient document that detailed the Wandering Scholar's life and his journey across Xia Continent.

"This map is old," Chen Wei said, tracing his fingers over the faded ink. "It marks places the Wandering Scholar visited before he created the curse."

Shu Yi leaned closer. "What's this?" She pointed to a symbol etched on the edge of the map—a series of interlocking circles.

The elder's eyes narrowed. "That symbol… it represents the Forgotten Path. A place of great danger and mystery. Few who enter ever return."

Xiao Fang whistled. "Sounds like fun."

Shu Yi shot him a look. "This isn't a joke, Xiao Fang. If the remaining pieces of the curse are hidden there, we'll have no choice but to go."

Chen Wei nodded. "We've come this far. We can't stop now."

---

A Glimpse of the Past

That night, Shu Yi couldn't sleep. The weight of their journey pressed heavily on her mind. As she stared at the ceiling, memories of her childhood surfaced—memories of her family and the expectations they had placed on her.

She had always been different, always wanted more than the life they had planned for her. But now, standing on the edge of something much bigger than herself, she couldn't help but wonder if she was truly ready.

A soft knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts.

"Come in," she called, sitting up.

Chen Wei stepped inside, his expression unreadable.

"You're still awake?" he asked.

"Couldn't sleep," Shu Yi admitted. "Too much on my mind."

Chen Wei sat down across from her. "You're worried about the curse, aren't you?"

"It's not just the curse," Shu Yi said. "It's everything. My family, this journey, my future… I don't even know who I am anymore."

Chen Wei was silent for a moment before speaking. "You're Shu Yi. The alchemist who defied her family and chose her own path. You've come this far because of your strength and determination. Don't doubt yourself now."

Shu Yi felt a warmth in her chest at his words. "Thanks, Chen Wei. I needed that."

He smiled softly. "We'll face whatever comes next together. You're not alone in this."

---

A New Journey

As dawn broke, the trio prepared to leave the village once more. The villagers gathered to see them off, their faces filled with gratitude and hope.

Shu Yi stood at the edge of the village, the map clutched tightly in her hand. The Forgotten Path awaited them—a place shrouded in mystery and danger. But she was ready.

As they set out, Shu Yi glanced at her companions. Chen Wei, the steadfast protector. Xiao Fang, the carefree optimist. Together, they had faced countless challenges, and together, they would face whatever lay ahead.

"This is just the beginning," Shu Yi said, determination in her voice.

"And what a beginning it's been," Xiao Fang quipped, grinning.

Chen Wei chuckled. "Let's hope the next part isn't as chaotic."

Shu Yi laughed softly. "Knowing us, it will be.

---