Ye Chen and Liya fixed their eyes on the massive phantom beast, the air thick with tension. The beast radiated an overwhelming pressure, weighing down on their spirits like a great mountain.
"We need to act quickly!" Ye Chen thought, trying to transform his knowledge of mythical creatures into tangible abilities. He remembered the "Thunder God" from Chinese mythology, a powerful deity who controlled lightning, perhaps he could aid them.
"Transform into thunder, descend upon the earth!" Ye Chen silently chanted, raising his hands as if calling upon the power of the sky.
At his command, the air around them became charged, thunder rumbling in their ears as lightning streaked across the sky, striking the phantom beast. The flash illuminated the beast for a moment, revealing its terrifying visage, sending chills down their spines.
"Wow, that's so cool!" Liya exclaimed, her eyes wide with admiration. "I've never seen such powerful illusions before!"
However, the phantom beast did not retreat; it let out a low growl and lunged at Ye Chen and Liya like a collapsing mountain.
"Get out of the way!" Ye Chen yelled instinctively, quickly sidestepping. But Liya, frozen in fear, was paralyzed by terror.
"Don't worry, I'll protect you!" Ye Chen grabbed Liya's hand, pulling her behind him. At that moment, all his imaginary power seemed to converge within him, and images of legendary heroes flooded his mind.
"Who will help me?" Ye Chen thought, seeking greater strength. Suddenly, the image of a goddess named "Nuwa" emerged in his mind.
"Nuwa, goddess of creation and protection, grant me strength!" Ye Chen whispered, courage surging through him.
In that instant, the environment shifted, golden light blossoming around him. It felt as if invisible hands were building a barrier, neutralizing the beast's attack.
"This is... the power of mythology!" Liya gasped, her eyes wide with awe.
"There's no time to waste, let's keep fighting!" Ye Chen shouted, pointing at the phantom beast. "Unleash your power!"
A beam of light shot from Ye Chen's hand, striking the phantom beast like a bolt of golden lightning, causing it to roar in pain.
"Keep going, Liya! We can do this!" Ye Chen felt the surge of power, his confidence soaring.
"Okay, I'll do my best!" Liya took a deep breath, gathering her courage to channel the natural elements around her into weapons.
The phantom beast seemed to sense the danger, its growls growing louder, launching ferocious attacks. Ye Chen and Liya dodged deftly, working together to withstand the onslaught.
"We need to find an opening and focus our strength!" Ye Chen yelled, calculating the rhythm of the battle in his mind.
Finally, in a fleeting moment, Ye Chen spotted a weakness in the beast's fury. It exposed a vulnerable spot on its back, the perfect opportunity to strike.
"Now, Liya, attack its back!" Ye Chen shouted.
Liya reacted instantly, gathering nature's power as she swung a slender vine, hitting the beast's vulnerable spot precisely.
"Follow up!" Ye Chen joined in, forming a sharp sword of light in his hand and slicing down at the beast's weakness.
A deafening roar erupted as the combined force of light and vine struck true, making the phantom beast let out a desperate cry before collapsing, the surrounding fog dissipating.
"Did we... win?" Liya asked in disbelief, still trembling slightly.
"For now, yes, but we need to grab the Dream Dew quickly," Ye Chen exhaled, relief washing over him.
As they approached the shimmering area, they discovered it was the home of the Dream Dew. The dew glistened like morning droplets, emitting a faint glow, seemingly waiting for their arrival.
"Awesome, come on!" Ye Chen beckoned to Liya excitedly.
They quickly collected the Dream Dew, joy filling their hearts. "This haul is incredible!" Liya smiled. "We can significantly boost our imaginary power now."
"Yes, and we've improved our teamwork and combat experience," Ye Chen agreed, equally thrilled.
Just then, a deep sound echoed around them. They both tensed, looking up to see the fog gathering once more, suggesting new enemies were approaching.
"Why is this place always filled with danger?" Ye Chen thought wryly, realizing there was no way to retreat.
"We have to find a way out or seek help from other dreamers!" Liya's eyes sparkled with determination.
"Dreamers? You mean people like us?" Ye Chen's eyes lit up with realization.
"Exactly! There are many powerful dreamers in this world who can wield their imaginary power to create unparalleled strength. If we meet them, we might receive significant help," Liya explained.
"Then let's keep exploring and look for other dreamers!" Ye Chen's resolve grew stronger.
As they continued their journey, they tread carefully, the environment shifting around them, the fog seemingly hiding secrets.
Soon, they arrived at a more expansive area, the scenery transforming into a dreamlike realm, resembling a fairy tale world.
"This place is beautiful!" Liya marveled, her eyes filled with wonder.
"But don't let your guard down," Ye Chen cautioned. "In this world, safety is never guaranteed."
At that moment, a beam of light suddenly descended from above, enveloping them. Ye Chen felt dizzy as the scenery blurred around him.
"Who are you? Why have you entered my domain?" a deep voice echoed in their ears, seemingly emanating from all directions.
"We are travelers searching for the Dream Dew!" Liya mustered her courage to reply.
"Travelers? Not everyone is allowed to enter this place," the voice grew darker, hinting at a significant threat.
"We are dreamers, here with hope and dreams!" Ye Chen retorted, refusing to back down.
"Dreamers? How intriguing," the voice's source materialized into a tall figure draped in resplendent robes, surrounded by a kaleidoscope of colors. He appeared godlike, wearing a faint, enigmatic smile.
"Welcome, novice dreamers," the man said coolly, his gaze scrutinizing them. "I am the guardian of this realm."
"You're... a powerful dreamer?" Ye Chen felt a surge of wariness; this man was not to be underestimated.
"Your arrival intrigues me; perhaps I can assist you," the man said slowly, amusement lacing his tone.
"Assist us?" Liya asked, puzzled. "What do you require in return?"
"If you can pass my trial, you shall gain greater power and imaginary strength," the man said, a smile playing on his lips as he awaited their response.
Ye Chen and Liya exchanged glances, both aware that this trial might mean a new challenge ahead.
"We accept the trial!" Ye Chen declared without hesitation, determination settling in his heart.
"Excellent, then the trial begins!" The man's smile deepened as he waved his hand, transforming the surrounding space into a vast stage filled with shifting light and shadows.
"This is your trial ground, brave dreamers. Prepare to face your challenge!" His voice resonated through the air.
In this realm of endless possibilities, Ye Chen and Liya were about to confront new trials and opportunities. Would they pass the test and gain even greater imaginary power? The future awaited their exploration and realization.