As the day grew older, Lin Xi and Su Qinghe sat together by the Tablet of the Ancients, carefully studying its carvings. Despite the initial surge of energy and visions she had experienced, Lin Xi knew there were secrets hidden within the tablet she hadn't yet uncovered.
"I don't understand," she said, tracing her fingers along one of the symbols. "I saw glimpses of them—the Guardians—but none of their faces were clear. It's like the tablet's holding something back."
Su Qinghe glanced at her, a small smile playing on his lips. "The Tablet doesn't just reveal everything at once. It reveals only what you're ready to see and understand. Perhaps the path to finding each Guardian will present itself when the time is right."
As he spoke, his hand hovered over a particular marking on the tablet—a symbol of a phoenix wreathed in flames. Lin Xi's eyes followed his movement, drawn to the intricate design that seemed almost to flicker under the sunlight.
"What does this mean?" she asked, her voice a whisper. The phoenix felt strangely familiar, resonating with something deep within her.
"The Phoenix Guardian," Su Qinghe explained, his tone reverent. "One of the most powerful among the Guardians. It's said that she possessed the ability to rise from her ashes, stronger each time she fell. In your past lives, you were close allies."
Lin Xi's heart quickened. She could almost picture this Phoenix Guardian—a figure of blazing power and resilience, someone who had faced unimaginable hardships and yet always returned to the fight.
"If we're going to find her, where do we start?" she asked, determination hardening in her voice.
Su Qinghe pulled a map from his robes, spreading it across the grass. His finger pointed to a mountainous region to the south. "The ancient records indicate that the Phoenix Guardian may be hiding somewhere here, in the isolated ranges of Fenghua Mountain. The locals speak of a hidden valley filled with golden flames that never burn out. If she's there, we'll need to make a perilous journey to reach her."
Lin Xi glanced at the distant mountains marked on the map. "Then we should leave at first light tomorrow. We can't afford to waste any time."
Su Qinghe nodded in agreement. "But be prepared. The journey to Fenghua Mountain is treacherous. Many have attempted to reach the valley, and few have returned. There will be challenges—both physical and spiritual."
Lin Xi met his gaze, unflinching. "I'm ready."
The following morning, they set out just as dawn was breaking, the sky streaked with shades of pink and gold. The journey was long and grueling, the path winding through thick forests, treacherous cliffs, and hidden ravines. As they climbed higher into the mountains, the air grew colder, and the landscape turned harsh and unforgiving.
For days, they traveled in near silence, both of them focused on the mission at hand. Yet despite the grueling trek, Lin Xi felt a strange exhilaration. The landscape was breathtaking, and though the journey was demanding, she could feel her connection to her purpose growing stronger with each step.
Finally, on the seventh day, they reached the entrance to a narrow pass. Su Qinghe paused, his gaze sweeping over the rocky terrain. "If the legends are true, this path will lead us to the Valley of Flames."
Lin Xi glanced at him, the excitement sparking in her eyes. "Then let's go."
They moved through the pass, the air thick with the scent of smoke. As they approached, Lin Xi caught sight of something extraordinary—a golden light shimmering in the distance, filling the valley beyond with an otherworldly glow.
The valley opened up before them, revealing a breathtaking scene. The entire expanse was filled with flames—brilliant, golden fire that leaped and danced as if alive. Yet despite their intensity, the flames gave off no heat. Instead, they exuded a warmth that seemed to reach deep into Lin Xi's soul.
In the center of the valley stood a figure, cloaked in crimson robes with intricate designs woven along the edges. Her long hair flowed behind her like a river of fire, her eyes fierce and filled with a strength that seemed almost unbreakable.
The Phoenix Guardian.
She turned as they approached, her gaze locking onto Lin Xi's with a piercing intensity. There was recognition in her eyes, as if she could see right through to Lin Xi's very core.
"So, you have returned," the Phoenix Guardian said, her voice rich and resonant. "I had wondered if the prophecy was true—that the one who bears the pendant would come back to fulfill her destiny."
Lin Xi swallowed, feeling the weight of the Guardian's gaze. "I'm here because we need your help. The Black Dragon Emperor has returned. I can't defeat him alone."
The Phoenix Guardian studied her for a long moment before speaking. "Do you remember me, Lin Xi? In another time, another life, we fought side by side against the Emperor. You were my sister-in-arms, my confidant. But time has washed away much of what once was."
Lin Xi felt a pang of familiarity, fragments of memories flitting through her mind—moments of laughter, whispered secrets, the shared weight of a common battle. She nodded, feeling the connection solidify.
"Then you must know why I've chosen exile," the Guardian said, her expression hardening. "In the final battle, I saw countless comrades fall. I swore I would never return to that life of war and death."
Lin Xi took a step closer, her voice resolute. "I understand. But without you, countless more will fall. We need you, Phoenix. I need you."
The Guardian's eyes softened, a trace of the old bond between them shining through. For a moment, she was silent, as if weighing her choice. Finally, she spoke.
"If I return, it will not be for duty or destiny, but for the bonds we shared—those that transcended lifetimes. You risk much by bringing me back into this fight, Lin Xi. But if you are willing to bear that burden, then I will stand by your side once more."
Lin Xi's heart swelled with relief and gratitude. "Thank you," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "Together, we can stop him."
The Phoenix Guardian raised her hand, summoning a flame that danced on her palm. She held it out to Lin Xi, who reached forward to grasp it. As their hands met, the flame surged, enveloping them both in a warm, radiant glow.
"Take this mark," the Guardian said, her voice a solemn vow. "It will bind us as sisters-in-arms once more. In times of need, you may call upon me, and I will answer."
The flame sank into Lin Xi's skin, leaving a faint, fiery mark that pulsed with energy. She could feel the power of the Phoenix Guardian flowing through her, a strength that reignited her purpose.
As they stood together in the Valley of Flames, Lin Xi knew that the first step of her journey was complete. She had found the first of the Guardians, and with the Phoenix by her side, she felt a renewed sense of hope.
The battle against the Black Dragon Emperor had only just begun, but she was no longer alone. Together, they would gather the others, awaken the power of the Guardians, and prepare for the final confrontation that would determine the fate of all.