After passing through the palace's depths, Lin Yun and Chen Hao found themselves in a vast underground courtyard. In the courtyard stood a massive stone tablet, covered in intricate runes and patterns that seemed to tell an ancient story. The air was filled with a faint wave of spiritual energy, whispering endless secrets.
"This place feels unusual," Chen Hao whispered, awe in his eyes.
"Indeed, these runes seem to be guiding us," Lin Yun said, approaching the tablet and studying the runes closely.
As Lin Yun reached out to touch the tablet, it emitted a low rumble, and a beam of light burst forth, enveloping the entire courtyard in a brilliant glow. Lin Yun felt a powerful force from the tablet flow into him.
"Lin Yun, are you alright?" Chen Hao asked, concern in his eyes.
Lin Yun steadied himself, taking a deep breath to suppress the surging energy. He opened his eyes to see the runes on the tablet still glowing, hinting at ancient secrets.
"I'm fine. These runes… they seem to be transmitting some kind of message," Lin Yun murmured, curiosity in his eyes.
Suddenly, a low rumble echoed from the other side of the courtyard. Lin Yun and Chen Hao quickly turned their attention to the source of the sound. They discovered a hidden passage, its entrance sealed by a heavy stone door.
"This passage must lead deeper," Lin Yun said, determination in his voice.
Chen Hao nodded and approached the door, finding it covered in intricate runes with a central indentation that matched the shape of the amulet. Lin Yun inserted the amulet into the indentation, and with a low rumble, the door slowly opened, revealing a deep passageway.
"Let's go," Lin Yun said, raising the torch and leading Chen Hao into the passage.
The air grew colder, the walls adorned with glowing runes that seemed to tell an ancient tale. Lin Yun felt his spiritual energy intensify, the amulet in his hand glowing softly, lighting their way.
After a while, they entered a vast underground chamber. At its center stood a massive stone sarcophagus, surrounded by faintly glowing light, as if guarding a great secret.
"There must be something important here," Chen Hao whispered, anticipation in his eyes.
"Yes, but we must be cautious," Lin Yun replied, his eyes fixed on the sarcophagus.
As they examined the sarcophagus, a low humming sound filled the chamber. The runes on the walls glowed brightly, forming a massive energy barrier, trapping them inside.
"Another trap!" Chen Hao exclaimed, gripping his torch tightly.
Lin Yun quickly responded, gripping the amulet and feeling his energy surge. He knew they had to deactivate the trap or face dire consequences. The air grew tense, ready for a fierce battle.
"Lin Yun, look over there!" Chen Hao pointed to a rune on the sarcophagus, surprise in his voice.
Following Chen Hao's gaze, Lin Yun saw a rune similar to those on the amulet. He approached and found a small indentation that matched the amulet's shape.
"This might be the key to deactivating the trap," Lin Yun murmured, inserting the amulet.
With a low rumble, the energy barrier slowly dissipated, and the chamber fell silent. Lin Yun felt his energy stabilize, the amulet trembling slightly in response.
"It looks like we've deactivated the trap," Lin Yun said, relief in his voice.
"But the secret is still hidden," Chen Hao replied, worry in his eyes.
Nodding, Lin Yun approached the sarcophagus, ready to uncover its secrets. As he prepared to open it, a low rumble echoed through the chamber, as if something was awakening. Lin Yun and Chen Hao quickly turned their attention to the sarcophagus.
The air buzzed with intense spiritual energy, Lin Yun's energy surging, the amulet in his hand glowing brightly. He knew this moment would decide their fate.
The sarcophagus slowly opened, and a brilliant light burst forth, illuminating the chamber. Lin Yun felt a powerful force from the sarcophagus flow into him, causing his body to tremble, his energy rapidly increasing.
"What is this power?" Lin Yun whispered, awe in his eyes.
As the light faded, a figure slowly rose from the sarcophagus. It was a man dressed in ancient robes, his eyes glowing with a mysterious light, as if he could see through everything. The man smiled slightly and spoke, "Welcome to my domain, explorers."