The wind howled as they ascended the narrow, rocky path up the mountain. The air had grown colder with each step, biting at their skin and cutting through their clothes. Lin Xi pulled her cloak tighter around her shoulders, her breath misting in the icy air. The mountain loomed high above them, its jagged peaks disappearing into the clouds. Somewhere near the summit lay the second relic, hidden away in a temple that had stood for centuries.
Su Qinghe walked ahead, his movements steady despite the difficult terrain. His focus never wavered, his eyes scanning their surroundings for any signs of the Black Dragon Emperor's followers. Lin Xi admired his composure, though she knew he must feel the same urgency she did. Time was running out, and every second they delayed brought their enemies closer to the relic.
Liú Jùn trailed behind, his strength still recovering after the ambush. Despite his exhaustion, he pressed on with determination, refusing to slow their pace. His knowledge of the temple was crucial. Without him, they'd be lost in these mountains.
"We're close," Liú Jùn said, his voice strained but steady. "The temple is just beyond this ridge."
Lin Xi glanced at Su Qinghe, who gave a single nod. They quickened their pace, the steep incline making their legs burn with effort. The wind roared in their ears, and loose rocks tumbled down the cliffs as they climbed, but they pushed forward, driven by the knowledge of what was at stake.
As they reached the top of the ridge, the landscape opened up before them. In the distance, nestled between two towering cliffs, stood the temple. It was an ancient structure, its stone walls weathered by time but still standing strong. Snow clung to its rooftops, and wisps of mist curled around its base, giving it an almost ethereal appearance.
"This is it," Liú Jùn said, his voice filled with awe and reverence. "The Temple of the Four Winds."
Lin Xi's eyes narrowed as she surveyed the area. The temple might have stood untouched for centuries, but now it was a battleground. Dark figures moved at the base of the temple, their shadows flickering in the dim light of dusk. The followers of Hēilóng Dì had already arrived.
"There's at least a dozen of them," Su Qinghe muttered, his eyes sharp. "More than we expected."
Lin Xi's heart sank. They were vastly outnumbered. Charging in would be suicide. She scanned the cliffs around the temple, searching for another way in.
"There," she said, pointing to a narrow ledge that hugged the mountainside. "If we can reach that ledge, we might be able to climb around the back of the temple and get inside without being seen."
Su Qinghe followed her gaze, his expression thoughtful. "It's risky, but it might be our only option. If we can get to the relic before they do, we'll have the advantage."
Liú Jùn nodded, though his face was pale with exhaustion. "We'll have to move quickly. Once they realize we're here, they'll stop at nothing to get inside."
With a plan in place, the three of them began their careful descent toward the ledge. The rocks were slippery with ice, and the drop below was enough to make Lin Xi's stomach turn, but she forced herself to focus on the task ahead. One misstep could cost them everything.
They moved slowly, carefully placing their feet on the narrow path. The wind whipped at them, threatening to knock them off balance, but Su Qinghe led the way, his movements precise and controlled. Lin Xi followed close behind, her heart racing with every step.
As they reached the base of the temple, they crouched low, hiding behind a large stone outcropping. The followers of the Black Dragon Emperor were scattered across the temple grounds, their dark cloaks blending into the shadows.
Su Qinghe signaled for them to wait, his eyes scanning for a clear opening. The entrance to the temple was heavily guarded, but they weren't going for the front door.
"This way," Su Qinghe whispered, leading them toward a hidden side passage. The entrance was small, almost invisible beneath a layer of snow and ice, but it was just large enough for them to squeeze through.
Lin Xi held her breath as they slipped inside, the cold air suddenly replaced by the musty scent of ancient stone. The passage was narrow and dark, lit only by the faint glow of Su Qinghe's torch. The walls were etched with old carvings, symbols of the Guardians who had once protected the temple.
"We're not far from the main chamber," Liú Jùn whispered, his voice echoing off the walls. "The relic will be there, but so will the enemy."
Lin Xi's grip tightened on her sword. They were close—so close—but danger was all around them. The followers of the Black Dragon Emperor wouldn't give up the relic without a fight.
As they reached the end of the passage, they emerged into a vast chamber, its high ceilings supported by massive stone pillars. At the center of the room, raised on a pedestal, was the relic—a glowing crystal, pulsing with a soft, otherworldly light.
But they weren't alone. Standing before the relic, his back turned to them, was a man draped in dark robes. His presence filled the chamber with an oppressive weight, and Lin Xi could feel the dark energy radiating from him.
"Their leader," Su Qinghe whispered, his eyes narrowing.
The man turned slowly, his pale face illuminated by the glow of the relic. His eyes were cold and unfeeling, and his lips curled into a cruel smile as he saw them.
"You're too late," he said, his voice low and filled with malice. "The Black Dragon Emperor will rise again, and there's nothing you can do to stop it."
Lin Xi's heart raced. They couldn't let him take the relic.
"Not if we stop you first," Su Qinghe growled, drawing his sword.
The man laughed, a cold, hollow sound that echoed through the chamber. "You think you can challenge me? You're mere insects before the power of Hēilóng Dì."
Before Lin Xi could react, the man raised his hand, and the room erupted in a whirlwind of dark energy. The pillars cracked and groaned, the ground shaking beneath their feet. Lin Xi stumbled, her sword slipping from her grasp as the force of the magic overwhelmed her.
"Get the relic!" Su Qinghe shouted, his voice barely audible over the chaos.
Lin Xi scrambled to her feet, her eyes locked on the glowing crystal. If they could just reach it, they might stand a chance.
But the dark figure blocked her path, his eyes glowing with an eerie light. He raised his hand again, and tendrils of shadow shot toward her, wrapping around her body and pulling her to the ground.
"Foolish girl," the man sneered. "You will never stop the return of the Black Dragon Emperor."
Lin Xi struggled against the shadows, her heart pounding in her chest. This couldn't be the end. Not here. Not like this.
Suddenly, there was a flash of light, and the shadows around her dissolved. Lin Xi looked up to see Su Qinghe standing over her, his sword glowing with a brilliant light.
"Get up!" he shouted. "We're not done yet."
Lin Xi grabbed her sword and leaped to her feet, her eyes blazing with determination. Together, they would fight. Together, they would stop him.