The trio moved swiftly through the dense forest outside Stonebridge, their footsteps muffled by the thick underbrush. Lin Xuan led the way, his eyes scanning the terrain with practiced precision. Every shadow, every rustle of leaves carried the weight of potential danger. The remnants of the Shadow Veil's attack still lingered in their minds, but there was no time to dwell on it.
Yu Mei's voice broke the silence. "We've delayed long enough. If the Shadow Veil can send assassins after us here, we're already behind. Who knows what forces are gathering at the sects?"
Lin Xuan nodded but didn't slow his pace. "We're heading straight for the nearest safe haven. Once we regroup, we'll plan our next steps. The sects can wait a little longer."
Li Fengxian adjusted his spear on his back, glancing toward the horizon. "Safe haven? I didn't think such a thing existed for people like us."
Lin Xuan's lips curled into a faint smirk. "There's one place, but it's not easy to reach. That's why we need to move now."
---
As dusk settled over the forest, the trio arrived at the edge of a steep ravine. The air here was heavy with the scent of moss and damp earth, and the sound of rushing water echoed from below. Lin Xuan stopped, his gaze fixed on the ancient bridge spanning the gap.
The bridge was a relic of a bygone era, its wooden planks weathered and warped by time. Thick vines coiled around its supports, and faint runes glimmered along its edges.
Yu Mei's eyes narrowed as she studied the runes. "This bridge is enchanted. A defensive mechanism?"
Lin Xuan nodded. "Exactly. It leads to the Hidden Sanctuary, a place few know about and even fewer can access. If we can cross, we'll have time to recover and strategize."
Li Fengxian raised an eyebrow. "And if we can't?"
Lin Xuan stepped forward, placing his hand on the first rune. "Then we won't be leaving this forest alive."
---
The runes flared to life, casting a soft blue glow across the ravine. A low hum filled the air, and the temperature dropped noticeably. Lin Xuan focused his energy, channeling it into the rune beneath his palm.
The bridge responded with a groan, its planks shifting as if alive. A voice, deep and resonant, echoed from the runes.
"Who seeks passage across the Ethereal Crossing?"
Lin Xuan straightened, his tone firm. "Lin Xuan. I seek safe passage for myself and my companions."
The voice hesitated before responding. "The Ethereal Crossing judges all who attempt it. Strength, intent, and resolve will be tested. Do you accept the trial?"
Yu Mei and Li Fengxian exchanged glances, their postures tense but determined.
"We accept," Lin Xuan declared.
---
The air shimmered, and the landscape around them shifted. The ravine and forest faded away, replaced by an endless expanse of mist. Shadows moved within the fog, their forms indistinct yet menacing.
A figure emerged from the mist, its shape mirroring Lin Xuan's. Its eyes burned with a cold, unyielding light, and it raised a sword identical to Lin Xuan's.
Yu Mei and Li Fengxian faced their own doppelgängers, each one a perfect reflection of themselves.
"What is this?" Li Fengxian muttered, gripping his spear tightly.
Lin Xuan's voice was calm but edged with urgency. "The trial. These are manifestations of our weaknesses, doubts, and fears. To pass, we must confront them."
---
Lin Xuan's doppelgänger moved first, its blade slicing through the mist with blinding speed. Lin Xuan parried, the clash of their swords sending shockwaves through the air. The doppelgänger's attacks were relentless, each strike aimed to exploit a perceived flaw in Lin Xuan's technique.
But Lin Xuan remained unfazed. "You're strong," he said, his voice steady. "But strength alone isn't enough."
He shifted his stance, his movements fluid and unpredictable. With a precise counter, he disarmed the doppelgänger and plunged his sword into its chest. The figure dissolved into mist, its form scattering like smoke.
Yu Mei's battle was no less intense. Her doppelgänger moved with uncanny agility, its arrows striking with pinpoint accuracy. But Yu Mei didn't falter. Her sharp mind and unyielding determination guided her movements, and with a final shot, she struck her double through the heart.
Li Fengxian roared as he faced his own reflection, his spear clashing against its counterpart. The battle was brutal, each strike carrying the weight of his inner struggles. But Li Fengxian's resolve burned brighter, and with a mighty thrust, he shattered his doppelgänger.
---
As the mist cleared, the trio found themselves back at the bridge. The runes glowed brightly, their light warm and welcoming.
"You have proven your worth," the voice intoned. "The Ethereal Crossing grants you passage. May your journey lead to wisdom and strength."
The runes dimmed, and the bridge settled into stillness.
Lin Xuan turned to his companions, his expression resolute. "Let's move. The Hidden Sanctuary awaits."
---
The group crossed the bridge, their steps measured but confident. As they reached the other side, the forest opened up to reveal a hidden valley, its beauty breathtaking. Crystal-clear streams wound through lush greenery, and the air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers.
At the heart of the valley stood an ancient structure, its walls adorned with intricate carvings and symbols.
Yu Mei's voice was tinged with awe. "This is the Hidden Sanctuary?"
Lin Xuan nodded. "A place where we can rest, recover, and prepare. But we can't stay here forever. Our enemies won't stop coming."
Li Fengxian grinned. "Let them come. We'll be ready."
As they entered the sanctuary, Lin Xuan couldn't shake the feeling that their trials were far from over. But for now, they had a moment of respite—a chance to regroup and strengthen their resolve for the battles ahead.