Chapter 6: A Hidden World Beneath
The morning after the storm, Liang Chen stood by the window, watching the city awaken under the soft light of dawn. The storm had passed, leaving the streets glistening with rainwater. The twins were still asleep, their tiny forms curled up on the couch, looking peaceful for the first time since he found them.
His phone buzzed on the table, the screen lighting up with another system message. "Host, your next mission is to discover the location for the Dragon Palace. Time is of the essence."
Liang Chen sighed, still grappling with the reality of this so-called system. "Dragon Palace," he muttered under his breath, shaking his head. It sounded like something out of a fantasy novel, not something a struggling university student should be involved in.
But the urgency in the message couldn't be ignored. He felt a strange pull in his chest, a whisper of something ancient and powerful, urging him to move. He glanced back at the sleeping twins, his resolve hardening. He couldn't let them down.
He grabbed his jacket and his phone, gently nudging Long Wei and Long Mei awake. "Hey, little ones, we're going on an adventure."
Their eyes fluttered open, filled with trust despite the short time they had known him. Long Wei yawned and nodded, while Long Mei rubbed her eyes and reached out to him. Liang Chen scooped them up, balancing them on his hips.
"We're going to find a special place," he explained softly, smiling as they clung to him. "A place where we can all be safe."
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Chapter 7: Journey to the Depths
Liang Chen followed the system's guidance, each step feeling more surreal than the last. It led him to a secluded part of the city near the coast, where a hidden path wound down to a quiet beach. The air smelled of salt, and the gentle lapping of waves provided a soothing backdrop.
"Host, the entrance lies beneath the waves," the system intoned, breaking the serenity.
Liang Chen frowned, shifting the twins on his hips as he stared at the ocean. "Beneath the waves? Are you serious?"
"The Dragon Palace is not of this world," the system responded. "It is a sanctuary hidden in the depths, accessible only to those chosen by the system."
Liang Chen looked at the twins, their wide eyes reflecting trust and curiosity. "You guys ready for a little swim?" he asked, trying to keep his tone light despite the apprehension bubbling inside him.
Long Wei and Long Mei nodded eagerly, their innocence and excitement giving Liang Chen the courage he needed. He set them down gently, taking their hands as they walked toward the water's edge.
As they stepped into the cold water, a strange sensation washed over Liang Chen. The system buzzed in his mind, guiding him to a specific point. The water rose around them, but instead of fear, Liang Chen felt a calm reassurance.
"Hold on tight," he whispered, clutching the twins close as they descended into the depths, the world above fading away.
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Chapter 8: The First Challenge
As they sank deeper, the water turned from clear to a deep, mysterious blue. Liang Chen expected to feel the pressure or cold, but instead, a warm glow surrounded them, as if the ocean itself welcomed their presence.
Suddenly, a vast structure emerged from the murky depths. The Dragon Palace, shimmering with an ethereal light, stood before them—a fortress of ancient stone and coral, more magnificent than Liang Chen could have ever imagined.
"Welcome to the Dragon Palace, Host," the system announced. "This will be your clan's stronghold."
Liang Chen's awe was short-lived. As they approached the entrance, a barrier of energy blocked their path, pulsing with a force that made his skin tingle.
"System, what's going on? Why can't we enter?" Liang Chen asked, his voice tinged with frustration.
"The Dragon Palace recognizes only the worthy," the system explained. "You must prove your strength and determination to gain entry."
Liang Chen sighed, looking down at Long Wei and Long Mei. They clung to him, trusting him to protect them. "Alright, system. Tell me what I need to do."
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Chapter 9: Proving Worth
The system provided Liang Chen with his first real challenge: a test of his willpower and leadership. The barrier would only yield to someone who could demonstrate their ability to lead and protect their clan.
Liang Chen felt the weight of the task but knew he couldn't back down. The twins needed him, and this palace was their only hope for a safe future.
"Host, to pass the test, you must summon the power within you—the Dragon Power," the system instructed. "Only then will the barrier recognize you as the leader."
Liang Chen closed his eyes, focusing on the strange energy he had felt since awakening the system. It was like a dormant force deep inside him, waiting to be unleashed.
As he concentrated, a warmth spread through his chest, growing stronger with each breath. The barrier pulsed in response, sensing the shift in his aura.
Liang Chen opened his eyes, determination blazing in his gaze. "I won't fail."
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Chapter 10: The Gates Open
The energy within Liang Chen surged, resonating with the ancient magic of the Dragon Palace. The barrier flickered, then dissolved, allowing them passage.
Long Wei and Long Mei clapped their hands in delight, their faith in Liang Chen unwavering. He smiled down at them, feeling a surge of pride.
"We did it," he whispered, stepping through the grand gates of the Dragon Palace.
Inside, the palace was even more breathtaking, filled with intricate carvings and glowing crystals that cast a soft light over the massive halls. It felt both ancient and alive, as if the very walls were watching and waiting.
"This is just the beginning," Liang Chen said, his voice echoing in the vast space. "We'll make this place our home, our sanctuary. And together, we'll grow stronger."
The system's voice was approving. "Well done, Host. The Dragon Palace is yours to command. Let the journey of the Dragon Clan begins.