Chapter 81: Echoes of the Past

The second gate closed behind them, sealing away the chamber of shadows. Jin Long and Yue Lan found themselves standing in a corridor of light, the walls shimmering with ethereal patterns that pulsed with the rhythm of their own heartbeats. The air was warm, almost comforting, a stark contrast to the oppressive darkness they had just faced.

But the sense of peace was fleeting. The air grew heavy, and a familiar scent filled Jin Long's nostrils—the scent of incense and herbs. His eyes widened as he realized where he was.

They stood in a courtyard he knew all too well, the place where he had trained for years, under the watchful eyes of his former master, Elder Shen. The courtyard was exactly as he remembered it—the stone flooring worn and cracked, the wooden training dummies lined up in neat rows, and the cherry blossom tree swaying gently in the breeze.

But it was impossible. This place had been destroyed years ago.

"Jin Long," a voice called.

He turned sharply, his breath catching in his throat. There, standing beneath the cherry blossom tree, was Elder Shen. The old man's eyes were calm, his white robes flowing like river water. He looked exactly as he had before the day he was murdered.

"You've grown," Elder Shen said, a soft smile on his face. "But your heart still carries the weight of that day."

Jin Long swallowed, his fists clenching at his sides. "You're not real."

Elder Shen's eyes softened. "Perhaps. Or perhaps I am the memory you refuse to confront."

Yue Lan stepped forward, her brows furrowed. "Jin Long, is this...?"

"It's my old master," Jin Long said, his voice tight. "The one I couldn't save."

Elder Shen's gaze shifted to Yue Lan, his eyes warm. "You are the one who stands beside him now. Protect him well. His heart is strong, but it is also fragile."

Yue Lan nodded, her jaw set. "I will."

Elder Shen's expression darkened. "But that is not enough. Jin Long, you must face what happened that day."

The courtyard blurred, and suddenly, they were standing amidst flames. Jin Long's village was burning, the screams of the villagers echoing all around them. Jin Long's younger self sprinted through the chaos, his eyes wild with desperation as he searched for Elder Shen.

Jin Long's breathing quickened. The scene was playing out exactly as it had on that fateful day—the day Zhan Wuhen's minions had attacked, searching for the Genesis Core.

He watched as his younger self stumbled into the courtyard, where Elder Shen stood, bloodied but unyielding. Elder Shen fought valiantly, his blade moving like a gust of wind, but the attackers overwhelmed him.

"Run, Jin Long!" Elder Shen shouted as he was struck down, a spear piercing his chest.

Jin Long's younger self screamed, his voice raw and broken.

The scene froze, and the present Jin Long found himself standing over Elder Shen's fallen form. The old man's eyes stared up at the sky, his lips moving as if he were trying to say something.

Jin Long dropped to his knees, his heart hammering in his chest. "I should have been stronger. I could have saved you."

The memory of Elder Shen's body flickered, his eyes locking onto Jin Long. "You still can."

Jin Long's head snapped up. "What do you mean?"

"The past cannot be changed," Elder Shen said, his voice echoing like a distant wind. "But the future can be saved. Zhan Wuhen seeks the Core. If he claims it, all realms will suffer."

The flames began to die down, the courtyard fading back to its peaceful state. Elder Shen stepped forward, placing a hand on Jin Long's shoulder. "Forgive yourself, my disciple. You did not fail me. You were not ready then. But now, you are."

The warmth of Elder Shen's touch seeped into Jin Long's skin, and a surge of clarity washed over him. The guilt he had carried for years—the belief that he was weak, that he was unworthy—it began to lift.

Jin Long stood, his eyes fierce. "I will protect the Core. I will protect everyone."

Elder Shen's form began to dissolve, his figure turning to light. "Then go forth, Jin Long. The trials are not over, but you are stronger than you know."

With a final smile, Elder Shen disappeared, his presence lingering in the air like the scent of cherry blossoms.

Jin Long exhaled, the weight on his chest finally easing. He turned to Yue Lan, who watched him with a mixture of concern and admiration.

"You okay?" she asked, stepping closer.

Jin Long nodded, his jaw set. "Better than okay. I'm ready."

Ahead of them, the third gate loomed, its surface engraved with intricate patterns that shimmered with celestial light. The trial had only just begun.

"Let's go," Jin Long said, determination burning in his eyes.

Together, they stepped forward, prepared to face the next trial—the one that would test not only their strength but their very souls.