The path beyond the Hall of Mirrors was no less treacherous, though the oppressive energy had shifted into something more subdued. The whispers that had plagued them since entering the Abyss faded, replaced by an eerie stillness. It was as if the Abyss itself was holding its breath, waiting for them to reach whatever lay ahead.
Yan Rui, Lian Yuxi, and Wu Qian advanced cautiously, their steps echoing through the cavernous corridor. The walls began to change, no longer jagged and raw but smooth and polished, etched with intricate carvings of battles and ancient ceremonies.
"This is different," Lian Yuxi murmured, her fingers brushing the carvings. "These are records… stories of those who came before us."
Wu Qian frowned, inspecting one of the carvings. "Look here—this one shows a group of cultivators standing before a massive gate. They're offering something to an enormous figure."
Yan Rui stepped closer, his eyes narrowing as he studied the image. The figure towering over the cultivators was humanoid but impossibly large, with six glowing eyes and wings that seemed to stretch endlessly. It held a staff in one hand, its other hand outstretched as though accepting an offering.
"That's not a human cultivator," Yan Rui said grimly. "It's something… ancient. A guardian, maybe."
Lian Yuxi nodded. "If these carvings are accurate, it means we're approaching a significant place. We need to be prepared."
---
They continued forward, their pace slow but deliberate. The carvings grew more elaborate, depicting scenes of worship and sacrifice, as well as devastating battles. The air became warmer, almost comforting, a stark contrast to the Abyss's earlier chill.
Finally, the corridor opened into a massive chamber, its ceiling so high it was lost in darkness. At the center of the chamber stood a grand altar, surrounded by glowing orbs of light that floated lazily in the air. Behind the altar loomed a massive stone statue of the figure they had seen in the carvings, its six eyes glinting faintly as though watching them.
"This must be the sanctuary," Lian Yuxi said, her voice barely above a whisper. "The Sanctuary of Forgotten Souls. It's said to be a place where the knowledge of the Abyss is stored, but at a terrible cost."
Wu Qian glanced at her sharply. "What kind of cost?"
"The sanctuary doesn't just give its secrets away," she replied. "It demands something in return. Memories, emotions, even parts of your soul… The Abyss is merciless."
---
Yan Rui stepped closer to the altar, his gaze fixed on the glowing orbs. He could feel a faint pulse of energy emanating from them, resonating with the Vault inside him. "These orbs… they're fragments of something. Pieces of power, maybe?"
As he reached out, a deep voice rumbled through the chamber, making the ground tremble.
"Who dares disturb the Sanctuary of Forgotten Souls?"
The voice came from the statue, its six eyes now glowing brightly. Slowly, the massive figure began to move, the stone cracking and shifting as it came to life. The figure towered over them, its gaze piercing and unyielding.
"I am the guardian of this sanctuary," it said, its voice echoing. "Only those who prove their worth may claim its knowledge. But beware—once you enter this trial, there is no turning back."
---
Yan Rui stepped forward, meeting the guardian's gaze. "We seek the truth of the Abyss and the power to overcome it. We'll face whatever trial you set before us."
The guardian regarded him silently for a moment before nodding. "Very well. The trial is simple: each of you must offer a piece of yourselves to the sanctuary. A memory, a feeling, or a part of your soul. The sanctuary will decide if your offering is worthy."
Wu Qian scowled. "And if it's not worthy?"
"Then you will be consumed by the Abyss, as so many before you have been," the guardian replied.
Lian Yuxi hesitated, her expression conflicted. "This is dangerous, Yan Rui. We don't know what the sanctuary will take—or if we can survive without what we lose."
"We came here for answers," Yan Rui said firmly. "If this is the price we have to pay, so be it."
---
The three of them approached the altar, their hearts heavy with the weight of the decision. One by one, they placed their hands on the glowing orbs.
The moment Yan Rui touched his orb, a surge of energy coursed through him. Visions flashed before his eyes—memories of his childhood, his struggles, and his triumphs. The sanctuary seemed to sift through them, searching for something of value.
Finally, it settled on a memory: the day he had discovered the Celestial Vault. The moment he had felt its power for the first time, the awe and fear that had filled him.
"No," Yan Rui whispered, his heart pounding. "Not that."
The sanctuary's voice echoed in his mind. This memory binds you to your strength. Without it, you will falter. Will you still pay the price?
Yan Rui clenched his fists, his mind racing. He knew the memory was important, but he also knew they couldn't turn back now. "Take it," he said through gritted teeth.
---
Lian Yuxi and Wu Qian faced similar trials, each forced to give up a piece of themselves. Lian Yuxi surrendered the memory of her brother's death, while Wu Qian gave up the rage that had driven him to become a warrior.
As their offerings were accepted, the glowing orbs pulsed brightly before disappearing. The guardian nodded in approval.
"You have proven yourselves worthy," it said. "The sanctuary's knowledge is now yours."
The altar began to glow, and the air around them shimmered. Yan Rui felt a rush of energy as the sanctuary's secrets flooded his mind: the origins of the Abyss, the purpose of the Celestial Vault, and the path forward.
But with the knowledge came a warning: the Abyss was far more dangerous than they had imagined. And the power they sought to claim came with consequences they were not yet prepared to face.
---
As the glow faded, the guardian stepped back, its form returning to stone. The chamber grew silent once more, leaving Yan Rui and his companions alone with the weight of their newfound knowledge.
"We've made it this far," Yan Rui said, his voice steady despite the turmoil in his heart. "We can't stop now. The Abyss won't defeat us."
Lian Yuxi and Wu Qian nodded, their expressions resolute. Together, they stepped forward, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
---