Deep within the tomb, Lei Chen and Lan Mei stumbled upon a hidden chamber, untouched by time. It was a place of healing, filled with spiritual herbs and a pool of glowing water—the Essence Spring.
"We're safe here," Lan Mei said, her voice soft as she knelt by the spring. "For now."
Lei Chen sat by the water's edge, feeling the soothing energy of the spring wash over him. His injuries began to heal, and his qi reserves slowly replenished. As he meditated, he couldn't help but think of the dangers that still lay ahead.
Lan Mei, sitting across from him, watched in silence. After a moment, she spoke.
"I've been hiding something from you," she admitted. "I didn't just come here for the Scarlet Flame Jade. I came for revenge."
Lei Chen opened his eyes, listening intently as she explained her past. She had once been part of an ancient sect that had been destroyed by the Black Veil Sect. Her clan had been slaughtered, and she had been left for dead. Now, she sought the power of the jade to avenge her fallen family.
Lei Chen nodded, understanding her pain. He, too, had lost much to the Black Veil Sect, and he knew that their path forward would be fraught with danger.
"We'll face them together," Lei Chen said, his voice filled with determination. "But first, we need to find the jade."