Chapter 14: Secrets of the Monastery
"Doesn't look abandoned," Mei Lian muttered, her sharp eyes scanning the area.
"Do you think it's safe?" Li Feng asked, clutching the jade ring that hung around his neck. The artifact felt warm against his chest, its faint hum a reminder of its power.
"Nothing about this journey has been safe," Mei Lian replied dryly. "But if your ring led us here, there has to be a reason. Let's hope the people inside aren't as hostile as the ones chasing us."
Li Feng nodded, though his unease lingered. The visions of the Azure Dragon and the cryptic messages it had delivered weighed heavily on his mind. Every step forward felt like stepping into the unknown, and the stakes only seemed to grow higher.
Mei Lian gestured for him to follow, her movements silent as she crept toward the monastery's entrance. The heavy wooden doors were slightly ajar, their iron hinges rusted but sturdy. She paused, listening for any sounds from within. When none came, she pushed the door open just enough to slip inside, motioning for Li Feng to stay close.
The interior of the monastery was dimly lit, the air thick with the scent of incense and old stone. Rows of worn pews lined the main hall, leading to a raised dais where a golden statue of a coiled dragon loomed. Its eyes seemed to glimmer in the faint light, watching them with an unsettling intensity.
"This place feels… alive," Li Feng whispered, his voice barely audible.
Mei Lian shot him a look but didn't respond. She moved toward the dais, her footsteps echoing softly on the stone floor. Li Feng followed, his gaze drawn to the intricate carvings on the walls. Scenes of battle and triumph were etched into the stone, each one depicting the Azure Dragon in various forms.
As they reached the dais, a figure emerged from the shadows, startling them both. The man was tall and lean, his robes tattered but clean. His face was lined with age, his silver hair tied back in a simple knot. He carried a staff adorned with jade beads, its surface worn smooth from years of use.
"You've come," the man said, his voice calm but firm. His eyes, sharp and piercing, studied them intently. "I've been expecting you."
Li Feng froze, his hand instinctively going to the jade ring. "Who are you?"
The man inclined his head slightly. "My name is Master Shen. I am the last guardian of this monastery, a keeper of the Azure Dragon's legacy." His gaze shifted to the ring around Li Feng's neck. "And you are its bearer."
Mei Lian stepped forward, her dagger still in hand. "How do you know about the ring? And why should we trust you?"
Master Shen smiled faintly. "Your skepticism is warranted. But the ring's presence here is no coincidence. This monastery was built to protect its secrets and guide those chosen by the dragon."
Li Feng exchanged a wary glance with Mei Lian before addressing the monk. "If you know about the ring, then you know why we're here. What are we supposed to do?"
Master Shen gestured toward the golden statue. "The ring is the key to unlocking the next step in your journey. But be warned: the path ahead is fraught with peril. The celestial alignment draws near, and with it, the balance of power will shift. You must be prepared."
"Prepared for what?" Li Feng asked, his voice tinged with frustration.
"To face your destiny," Master Shen said simply. He turned and began walking toward a side chamber, motioning for them to follow. "There is something you must see."
Mei Lian hesitated, her eyes narrowing as she watched the monk. "This feels like a trap."
"If it were, you'd already be dead," Master Shen replied without looking back. "But if you'd rather face Shen Longwei without the knowledge you need, you're free to leave."
Mei Lian's jaw tightened, but she followed him. Li Feng trailed behind, his grip on the ring tightening as they entered the chamber. The walls were lined with shelves filled with ancient scrolls and artifacts. At the center of the room was a large stone pedestal, its surface engraved with a map.
Master Shen placed his hand on the pedestal, and the engravings began to glow faintly. "This map details the locations of the Azure Dragon's artifacts. Each one is tied to the celestial alignment and the balance of power it will bring. To stop Shen Longwei, you must gather them before he does."
Li Feng stepped closer, his eyes scanning the map. The symbols were unfamiliar, but the locations were marked clearly enough. One stood out to him—a distant mountain range etched with the image of a coiled dragon. "That's where we need to go next," he said, pointing to the mark.
Master Shen nodded. "It is the site of the Azure Dragon's heart. But reaching it will not be easy. The path is treacherous, and Shen Longwei's forces will stop at nothing to claim it."
Mei Lian crossed her arms, her expression skeptical. "And what's stopping you from selling us out? You seem to know a lot for someone who's supposedly neutral."
Master Shen met her gaze evenly. "My loyalty lies with the legacy of the Azure Dragon, not with any one person. If you fail, the balance of the world will be lost. That is something I cannot allow."
Before Mei Lian could respond, the sound of a bell echoed through the monastery. Master Shen's expression darkened. "We have been found."
Li Feng felt his chest tighten as the sound of footsteps echoed through the halls. Mei Lian drew her dagger, her eyes narrowing. "Looks like your sanctuary isn't so safe after all."
Master Shen stepped back, his hand gripping his staff tightly. "There is a hidden passage beneath the dais. It will take you out of here. But you must move quickly."
Li Feng hesitated, his gaze flicking to the map. "What about you?"
"I will hold them off for as long as I can," Master Shen said. "Now go."
Mei Lian grabbed Li Feng's arm, pulling him toward the door. "We can't waste time. Let's go."
As they ran toward the dais, the sound of the approaching soldiers grew louder. The monastery's ancient walls seemed to tremble with the weight of the impending conflict. Li Feng's heart pounded as he followed Mei Lian, the glow of the jade ring lighting their path.