After a night of rest in the Valley of Flames, Lin Xi and the Phoenix Guardian, now known simply as Feng, prepared to leave the valley and seek out the next Guardian. With the Phoenix's mark pulsing on Lin Xi's hand, she felt a renewed energy, as if her purpose was slowly falling into place.
As they descended from Fenghua Mountain, the landscape around them softened, transitioning from jagged cliffs to lush forests. Feng was silent for much of the journey, her eyes distant as if wrestling with her own memories. Lin Xi could sense the weight of the Phoenix Guardian's past—a burden she herself knew all too well.
After hours of walking, Su Qinghe finally broke the silence. "The second Guardian we need to find is called the Jade Serpent. She possesses a rare connection with nature and has been known to appear in the deepest forests and most untouched lands. Legend has it that she resides somewhere near the Mòhé Forest, where even the bravest dare not tread."
Feng nodded, her eyes narrowing. "The Jade Serpent has always been reclusive. She was known to disappear for months at a time, appearing only when absolutely necessary. Reuniting with her will not be easy."
Lin Xi's determination didn't waver. "Then we'll go to Mòhé Forest."
They traveled for several days, passing through quiet villages and crossing dense woodlands. Along the way, they encountered various people affected by the Black Dragon Emperor's growing influence. Shadows lurked in once-bright towns, and whispers of a dark power spread like wildfire. Every sight strengthened Lin Xi's resolve to assemble the Guardians and put an end to the Emperor's tyranny.
One evening, as they set up camp on the outskirts of a small village, they were approached by a young man named Liu Han, who had been observing them from a distance. Tall and lean, with sharp eyes and a quiet strength, Liu Han appeared cautious but curious.
"I've heard rumors of warriors passing through, seeking those called the Guardians," he said, glancing at each of them. "Are you…?"
Lin Xi nodded, stepping forward. "We're on a journey to stop the Black Dragon Emperor, and we're gathering allies to do so. If you're willing to join us, you would be a valuable ally."
Liu Han hesitated, his gaze flickering to the scars on Feng's hands and the determined look in Su Qinghe's eyes. "I'm no Guardian, but I've lost family to the Emperor's soldiers. If you're truly fighting him, then I want to help."
They welcomed Liu Han into their group, grateful for an extra pair of hands. He proved to be an adept scout, navigating the dense underbrush and leading them toward the Mòhé Forest with remarkable ease. Along the way, he shared tales of his encounters with the Emperor's forces, his words laced with a sorrow and anger Lin Xi recognized all too well.
Finally, they reached the edge of Mòhé Forest. The trees stood tall and ancient, their twisted branches reaching toward the sky like gnarled fingers. The forest exuded an eerie calm, a stillness that seemed to swallow sound and light alike.
"Jade Serpent must be close," Su Qinghe murmured, his gaze sharp. "The presence of her magic is unmistakable here."
As they ventured deeper into the forest, they felt an almost sentient awareness watching them. Leaves rustled in unnatural patterns, and the air grew thick with the scent of earth and moss. Lin Xi could sense the power radiating from the forest itself—a protective energy that seemed to guard against intruders.
Suddenly, the ground beneath them shifted, and vines shot up from the earth, weaving together to form a barrier. From within the shadows, a figure emerged, her movements as fluid as water, her eyes gleaming with a serpentine wisdom.
The Jade Serpent.
She wore robes in shades of green and silver, blending seamlessly with her surroundings. Her hair was dark and wild, adorned with small jade stones that glinted in the dim light. Her gaze, intense and calculating, swept over Lin Xi and her companions.
"What brings strangers to my domain?" she asked, her voice cool and laced with suspicion.
Lin Xi stepped forward, meeting the Jade Serpent's gaze with calm resolve. "We're here to ask for your help. The Black Dragon Emperor has returned, and we need the Guardians to stop him."
The Jade Serpent tilted her head, her expression unreadable. "And why should I concern myself with the matters of mortals? I protect the forest, not the world beyond it."
Feng stepped forward, her voice soft but firm. "You know as well as I do that his darkness won't be contained to the cities and villages. The Black Dragon Emperor's influence will reach even here, eventually. And when it does, your forest will suffer."
The Jade Serpent's gaze flickered with doubt, but she did not waver. "I am bound to my duty here. The world beyond holds little meaning to me. And yet…" Her eyes landed on Lin Xi. "I sense something in you a power that binds us all. You bear the mark of the Guardians."
Lin Xi raised her hand, revealing the Phoenix's fiery mark that glowed faintly against her skin. "I do. And I swear that if you join us, I'll protect this world and this forest with everything I have."
For a long moment, the Jade Serpent was silent, her gaze lingering on Lin Xi's hand. Finally, she reached out, her fingers tracing a faint symbol in the air. With a swirl of emerald energy, a mark appeared on Lin Xi's other hand a coiling serpent made of jade.
"This mark binds us," the Jade Serpent said solemnly. "It connects you to the spirit of the forest. Call upon me when the time comes, and I will lend you my power. But remember if the balance is threatened, I will return to protect my forest above all else."
Lin Xi nodded, understanding the gravity of the promise. "Thank you. We'll fight together to keep that balance."
The Jade Serpent's expression softened, a hint of warmth breaking through her cool demeanor. "May our paths be woven with strength and resilience, then."
With the second Guardian's mark glowing on her hand, Lin Xi felt a surge of power, each mark intensifying the other. As they left Mòhé Forest, she knew that the journey ahead would only grow more difficult, but she also knew that she was no longer alone. She had allies, a growing force of ancient power to stand with her against the darkness.