Chapter 77: Into the Unknown Depths
The cold, eerie wind whipped through the chamber, carrying with it a faint, whispering sound that sent shivers down the spines of Chen Jiuzhang and his companions. Su Nian tightened the tattered remains of her cloak around her, her eyes scanning the shadows warily. "This doesn't feel right. It's like... we're being watched."Zhang Chengying nodded, his broken peachwood sword at the ready. "Let's not stand around and wait to find out. If there's another threat, we'll meet it head - on." Despite his bravado, his voice carried a hint of trepidation.As they began to make their way towards the source of the trembling, the crystal - key in Chen Jiuzhang's hand glowed brighter, casting a path of blue light on the ground. The images in his mind grew clearer, leading him towards a hidden passageway in the far corner of the chamber. "This way," he said, pointing towards the shadows.Wu Laogou, still limping from his injuries, squinted into the darkness. "Are you sure, lad? That looks like a trap if I've ever seen one."Chen Jiuzhang hesitated for a moment, then nodded firmly. "The key is guiding me. I trust it."They followed the blue - lit path, the air growing colder and more oppressive with each step. Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows, blocking their way. It was a woman, dressed in robes of shimmering silver, her eyes a piercing green that seemed to see into their souls."Who are you?" Shen Qingluan demanded, raising the fragment of the Imperial Jade Seal defensively.The woman smiled, a cold and calculating expression. "I am Lyra, guardian of the forgotten secrets of the Gui Xu Secret Realm. And you, intruders, have no business here."Luna stepped forward, her tattered starlight - woven gown fluttering in the wind. "We've come to restore the balance of the realm. We've already defeated the darkness that threatened it. Now, we seek to uncover the remaining mysteries."Lyra's eyes narrowed. "The balance you speak of is a fragile thing, easily disrupted. And you think you can just waltz in and uncover secrets that have been hidden for centuries? You're more foolish than I thought."With a wave of her hand, Lyra summoned a group of silver - armored warriors from the shadows. Their weapons glinted menacingly in the dim light, and they surrounded the group, cutting off any chance of escape.Chen Jiuzhang held up the crystal - key, its light flaring brightly. "We don't want to fight you, but we won't be stopped. The Heart of the Realm itself has shown us the way. There's a greater threat out there, and we're the only ones who can face it."Lyra studied the key for a moment, her expression unreadable. Then, she let out a laugh, a sound that echoed through the chamber. "The Heart of the Realm may have shown you the way, but that doesn't mean you're ready for what lies ahead. Prove yourselves, then. Defeat my warriors, and perhaps I'll allow you to pass."The air crackled with tension as the two sides prepared for battle. Chen Jiuzhang and his companions exchanged determined glances. They had come too far to be stopped now. With a shout, they charged into the fray, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them in the unknown depths of the Gui Xu Secret Realm.