Wu Zheng and Qing Rui stood side by side, frozen as the staircase in front of them began to rise, each step groaning softly, as if with a life of its own . The creaking escalated into a faint rumble, filling the silent corridor with a hum. Wu Zheng instincts flared, and he jumped back, pulling Qing Rui with him .They landed, feet steady on the solid ground, just as the staircase stilled, leaving an uncanny silence in its wake.
Qing Rui's brow ceased as she looked at Wu Zheng, a question hovering in her eyes, "What was that?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Wu Zheng's face remained impassive, but his eyes glinted with a distant thought. He took a deep breath, closed his eyes for a moment, and finally offered her a faint smile ."Why don't we go back?" he suggested.
While...
In a cavernous stone chamber, a group of Zihar clan members stepped onto a metal platform, their boots echoing in the space, each footstep a hollow note swallowed by the darkness.
"Those stairs," one of the elder said, forcing a grin, his voice almost playful. "they were impressive, I'll give them that."
Another elder chuckled in agreement, though his laughter was hollow. "Almost enjoyed it," he admitted, glancing sideways at his companions. His attempt to break the tension only highlighted the emptiness around them.
Their smiles faded quickly. Silence reclaimed the room, and they exchange sombar glances, remembering those who had not survived the journey here. "It would have been nice if ..." One of the younger members said, his voice breaking. He averted his eyes , unwilling to finish the thought .
An elder placed a hand on his shoulder,speaking softly but firmly. "We carry their hopes with us. We're doing this for future." The others nodded , the weight of his words adding to the silence that hung around them like a thick invisible fog.
After what felt like half an hour, they reached another set of stairs.This time, the steps were made of rough stone, spiraling upward towards a faint glow at the top.The group exchanged wary glances, the shift in the atmosphere palpable as they ascended, each step measured and hesitant. Soon, they found themselves in a vast, hollow hall , its air heavy with an almost tangible weight.
The room was stark, the walls bare stone, and the only light came from a faint glow illuminating the centre. There, a faceless statue sat cross-legged, exuding a silent, unsettling presence. Books lined carved shelves along the walls , stacks haphazardly as though untouched for ages .
Their eyes widened as they neared shelves, fingers trembling as the reached for the books.They couldn't resist the allure of knowledge held within.
"This... this is a Heaven-grade technique!" one of them exclaimed, clutching a time close, his voice reverent.
Another's hand brushed over a similar book."Mine, too," he murmured, barely believing his eyes.
The room filled with exclamations, whispers of awe spreading among them like wildfire. All sense of caution forgotten, they thumbed through book after book, their eyes alight with fervor. One elder even dropped to his knees, he bowed down.
"Thank you, god.... Thank you," he whispered, his voice hoarse with gratitude.
Their excitement surged, each feeling as though they had stumbled upon a hidden destiny. " We don't need to join another family now," one murmured, an almost feverish smile tugging at his lips.
But then , a thud sound broke the moment. They turned, searching for it's source, only to see one of their own lying on the floor, blood trickling from his ears, his eyes vacant and lifeless. His hands were rigid, fingers curled as though gripping some unseen thread.
"What- what's happening?" a voice quavered, the earlier joy now a distant memory. Before anyone could answer, another member crumpled to the ground, then another, their bodies slumping lifelessly as blood oozed slumping lifelessly as blood oozed from their orifices, pooling around them.
Panic broke through, and they scrambled for the exit, stumbling over fallen comrades. Their breathing grew ragged, the silence around them amplifying each frantic step, every gasping breath. The oppressive weight in the air thickened, pressing against them, as though the walls themselves will eat them.
One by one, they fell, their vision blurring limbs weakening as an invisible force clutched them. Soon, only one remained, his entire body trembling, breathed coming in shallow gasps. He looked around, eyes darting in terror from one lifeless form to another, until finally, his gaze landed on the statue.
A shiver ran through him as he stared into the faceless void, that blank stone face somehow mocking him. "It's you ...." he stammered, voice barely above a whisper, filled with growing dread. " It's you ..."