After the victory against the orcs, Lu Ming returned to his stronghold, but a feeling of unease followed him. The echo of the recent battle still resonated in his mind, but it was not the orc threat that worried him. There was something deeper, an ancient power that called to him, and he was getting closer to the key to reaching it.
As his draconic soldiers busied themselves with reinforcing the defenses and the workers continued to expand the territory, Lu Ming headed to the Abyssal Dragon Altar. He knew that there was more to this world than simple battles and gold, something that was drawing him towards a destiny that even he did not fully understand.
Upon reaching the altar, he found it covered in a faint blue mist that he had not seen before. Upon touching it, a vibration ran through his body, and suddenly, a new system notification appeared in front of him.
**[System Notification: You have unlocked the Lost Shrine.]**
Lu Ming stared at the notification, his thoughts racing. He had heard rumors about the Lost Shrine, a place where the most powerful and wise warriors were said to ascend to new levels of strength. However, no one who had tried to find it had ever returned to tell the tale.
"This is the next step," Lu Ming muttered to himself. He knew that if he wanted to expand his power and that of his Abyssal Dragon Empire, he would have to find that shrine. But he also knew that this journey would not be easy.
**[System Notification: The Lost Shrine is located to the northwest, in the Abyssal Echoes Mountain.]**
Before he could react, a projection of the draconic ancestor appeared in front of him, hovering in the air with his gaze wise and profound.
"Lu Ming," the ancestor said in a resonant voice, "The Lost Shrine is the source of an ancient power, but it is guarded by beings who have transcended the mundane. Only those worthy may claim its power. It will not be a simple fight, but a test of your mind, body, and spirit."
Lu Ming nodded, unafraid. "I have come this far, I do not intend to turn back now."
"Then prepare yourself," the ancestor said. "Summon your best warriors and lead your army towards the shrine. But be warned: not every test will be physical, and not everyone who enters the shrine will emerge unscathed."
With the ancestor's warning still echoing in his mind, Lu Ming sprang into action. He knew that this challenge would require his best soldiers, and that any mistake could cost him not only his life, but the future of his empire as well.
He called his army to the front of the fortress. The tall draconic soldiers and draconic warriors formed ranks in front of him, their eyes filled with determination and loyalty.
"We are heading to the Lost Shrine," Lu Ming announced. "This will be a dangerous journey, but it will also be the path to a new era of power for us. The Abyssal Dragon Empire will not be stopped by any obstacles, nor by any enemies."
The soldiers roared in response, ready to follow their leader anywhere. Lu Ming, looking at his army, knew he was ready. With one last glance at his fortress, he set off on the path to the Abyssal Echoes Mountain, the place where the Lost Shrine awaited.
As they made their way through the dark, cold mountain paths, Lu Ming couldn't help but notice how the atmosphere changed. The air grew thicker, charged with a mysterious energy, and a dark mist shrouded the landscape.
Soon, they arrived at the entrance to the shrine. It was a gigantic structure of black stone, with ancient inscriptions glowing faintly under the moonlight. Two draconic statues stood guard at the entrance, their eyes inert but filled with a latent energy.
"This is only the beginning," Lu Ming said, staring at the towering door. He knew that what awaited within would change the fate of everyone.
As he took the first step into the shrine, a feeling of gravity fell upon him. The inscriptions on the walls suddenly lit up, and a deep voice echoed through the air.
"Only the worthy will be able to claim the power of the Lost Shrine. Are you ready to face the trials that await you?"
Lu Ming raised his head, his eyes filled with determination. "I am ready."
With those words, the doors to the shrine slowly opened, revealing the darkness beyond. Lu Ming and his army entered.
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