The journey to the Temple of Eternal Echoes began under a pale morning sky, the horizon tinged with golden hues. Li Zhen led the way, his expression calm but focused, while Master Yan and Wen Tian followed closely. Their path wound through dense forests and rocky trails, the air growing thinner as they ascended the mountain.
"The Temple of Eternal Echoes is said to exist between reality and illusion," Master Yan explained as they paused to rest near a bubbling spring. "Many believe it only reveals itself to those who are destined to find it."
Li Zhen glanced at the map projected by the system in his mind. The temple's location shimmered faintly, marked by layers of spiritual energy. "Destined or not, we'll find it. The fourth relic is waiting."
Wen Tian, eager to prove his worth, unfolded a worn scroll from his satchel. "I've studied the legends. The temple is protected by illusions that test the heart and mind. Strength alone won't get us through."
Li Zhen nodded, his gaze sharpening. "Then we'll rely on more than strength."
Crossing the Boundary
As they continued their ascent, the forest grew eerily silent. The rustle of leaves and chirping of birds faded, replaced by an oppressive stillness. The air felt heavier, as if the mountain itself were testing their resolve.
Suddenly, the path ahead shimmered and distorted. A swirling vortex of light and shadow appeared, blocking their way.
"The boundary of the temple," Master Yan murmured, his tone reverent.
The system chimed in Li Zhen's mind. "Warning: crossing the boundary will activate the temple's trials. Prepare yourself."
Without hesitation, Li Zhen stepped forward. As he entered the vortex, the world around him twisted and dissolved.
The First Trial: Reflection
Li Zhen found himself standing in a vast, mirrored hall. His reflection stared back at him from every surface, its expression colder and more menacing than his own.
"You think you're worthy of the relic?" the reflection sneered, its voice dripping with disdain. "You're just a pawn, a puppet of the hotel's system."
Li Zhen's grip tightened on his blade. "I may not have chosen this path, but I'll walk it to the end."
The reflection laughed, its tone mocking. "You think you're in control, but you're not. The relics, the trials—they're just traps to bind you further to this cursed place."
Li Zhen took a deep breath, calming his mind. "If this is a test of doubt, it won't work. I've made my choice, and I'll see it through."
The reflection's smirk faltered. The mirrors around him cracked, then shattered, revealing a new path.
The Second Trial: Bonds
The mirrored hall dissolved, and Li Zhen found himself in a serene courtyard. A figure stood before him—his younger sister, Li Mei, who had passed away years ago.
"Brother," she called, her voice soft and familiar. "Why did you leave me behind?"
Li Zhen's heart clenched. "This isn't real," he muttered, though his voice wavered.
Li Mei's eyes filled with tears. "Does it matter if it's real? You abandoned me when I needed you most. You could have saved me."
Memories of his sister's illness and his helplessness surged in his mind. He closed his eyes, steadying himself. "I couldn't save you then, but I've spent every day since trying to honor your memory. If this is a trial, then I won't let it break me."
Li Mei's form shimmered, her tearful expression softening into a smile. "You've grown stronger, Brother. Don't lose sight of your path."
As she faded away, the courtyard dissolved, and another path opened.
The Third Trial: Sacrifice
The final trial brought Li Zhen to a desolate battlefield. Master Yan and Wen Tian lay injured at his feet, their expressions pleading.
"Save us," Wen Tian gasped, blood staining his robes.
At the same time, a golden door appeared, radiating power. The system's voice echoed in his mind. "The door leads to the relic, but choosing it will cost your companions their lives. Choose wisely."
Li Zhen froze, his mind racing. He knew the trials were illusions, but the anguish in Wen Tian's eyes and the desperation in Master Yan's voice felt too real to ignore.
"Keeper," Master Yan rasped, "leave us. The relic is more important."
Li Zhen clenched his fists. "No. A Keeper protects those under his care."
He knelt beside his companions, channeling his spiritual energy into them. "If I fail this trial because I refused to abandon you, so be it."
The battlefield dissolved in a burst of light. When the brilliance faded, Li Zhen stood alone in a grand chamber.
The Fourth Relic
The chamber was filled with an otherworldly glow. At its center floated the fourth relic—a golden orb pulsating with energy. Li Zhen approached it cautiously, feeling its power resonate through the air.
"The fourth relic," the system intoned. "Claim it, Keeper."
Li Zhen reached out, his fingers brushing against the orb. A surge of energy coursed through him, filling his veins with warmth and light. The relic's power integrated with his own, strengthening his connection to the hotel.
Reunion
When the chamber dissolved, Li Zhen found himself back at the temple's entrance. Master Yan and Wen Tian were waiting for him, their expressions relieved.
"You made it," Wen Tian said, his tone awed.
Li Zhen nodded, holding up the relic. "Another step forward."
As they began their descent, the weight of the trials lingered in his mind. The Temple of Eternal Echoes had tested his heart, mind, and soul, but it had also reinforced his resolve.
The journey ahead would be even more perilous, but Li Zhen was determined to face it head-on.