The Ancestral Demon Hall

*Chapter 7: The Ancestral Demon Hall*

Muchen's heart still ached with the loss of his parents and the destruction of the Xing Sect. Aria's words echoed in his mind, "The Heavenly Demons are too strong, Muchen. Even a trillion humans couldn't face two of them. We need to get you prepared."

Aria's eyes locked onto Muchen's, filled with determination. "We must seek the power of the Red Crystals. The Ancestral Demon Hall is the only place where we can find it. That place is sacred, even the Heavenly Demons can't attack us there."

With flying staffs, they traveled day and night, their destination etched in their minds. Finally, they arrived at the Ancestral Demon Hall, but instead of the tranquility they expected, they were met with the sounds of clashing powers and fighting.

Curious, they crept closer to investigate and found themselves witnessing a fierce battle between two bear ladies, Meiying and Fulu, and a pangolin man. The bear ladies, masters of the ancestral hall and daughters of the hall's guardian, were formidable and powerful, with a hint of wild beauty.

As they defeated the pangolin man, they issued a challenge to anyone brave enough to face them. The crowd remained silent, but Fulu's eyes sparkled with mischief as she spotted Muchen and Aria. "Wow, look at the handsome man over there. He looks perfect for the match!"

Meiying's eyes narrowed, and she called out to Muchen, "You, come and fight us!" Muchen's response was met with shock and awe. "You're not a match for me."

The bear ladies unleashed a storm of attacks, but Muchen blocked them with a single strike. He countered with a qi energy blast, sending the bear ladies stumbling back. "You're not my match," he declared, before flying away with Aria.

The bear ladies were left seething with anger, their pride wounded. Muchen and Aria continued on their journey, reaching the entrance of the Ancestral Demon Hall. As they began to climb the stairs, a massive pressure power descended upon them.

Undeterred, they pushed forward, their determination driving them to reach the top. Finally, they opened the door and entered the hall, ready to face whatever lay within.As they entered the Ancestral Demon Hall, Muchen and Aria were immediately struck by the eerie atmosphere that pervaded the air. The hall was dimly lit, with only a few flickering candles to illuminate the space. The walls were adorned with ancient carvings, depicting scenes of great battles and powerful magic.

Despite the ominous atmosphere, Muchen and Aria pressed on, their determination to find the Red Crystals driving them forward. They navigated through the winding corridors, their footsteps echoing off the stone walls.

As they turned a corner, they came face to face with a massive stone door, adorned with intricate carvings of demons and ancient symbols. The door was covered in a thick layer of dust, and it looked like it hadn't been opened in centuries.

Aria's eyes narrowed as she examined the door. "This is the entrance to the inner sanctum," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "The Red Crystals are said to be hidden within."

Muchen's heart quickened with excitement as he reached out to touch the door. But as soon as he made contact with the stone, the door began to glow with a faint, eerie light.

Suddenly, the air around them began to distort, and a figure materialized before them. It was an ancient demon, its eyes glowing with a malevolent energy.

"Who dares to disturb the rest of the Ancestral Demon Hall?" the demon growled, its voice like thunder.

Muchen and Aria stood tall, their hearts pounding with anticipation. They knew that they had to face whatever challenges lay ahead if they were to claim the Red Crystals and fulfill their destiny."We have come for the Red Crystals," Muchen declared, his voice firm and resolute.

The ancient demon's eyes narrowed, its gaze piercing through Muchen and Aria. "You think you are worthy of the Red Crystals?" it sneered. "Many have come before you, seeking to claim the crystals, but none have succeeded."

Aria stepped forward, her eyes flashing with determination. "We are not like those who have come before," she said. "We have the power of the Xing Sect and the determination to succeed."

The ancient demon laughed, a cold, mirthless sound. "We shall see about that," it said. "I will present you with three trials. If you succeed, the Red Crystals shall be yours. But if you fail, you will never leave this place alive."

Muchen and Aria exchanged a glance, their hearts pounding with anticipation. They knew that the trials would be difficult, but they were determined to succeed.

"We accept your challenge," Muchen said, his voice firm.

The ancient demon nodded, a cold smile spreading across its face. "Then let the trials begin," it said.

With a wave of its hand, the ancient demon summoned a massive stone pedestal, upon which rested a small, delicate box.

"The first trial is the Trial of Wisdom," the ancient demon said. "Solve the riddle of the box, and you shall be granted the next trial. But if you fail, you shall be trapped forever in this place."

Muchen and Aria approached the pedestal, their minds racing with anticipation. They examined the box, searching for any clues that might reveal the answer to the riddle.

But as they searched, they realized that the box was locked, and the key was nowhere to be found...