The group trudged onward, leaving behind the eerie valley that had nearly claimed their lives. The land ahead shifted dramatically, as though nature itself sought to cleanse their spirits after the oppressive shadows. Verdant meadows stretched out before them, swaying in the breeze. The air smelled fresh, carrying the subtle fragrance of blooming wildflowers.
However, the calm only masked the unease that still lingered in their hearts. Lin Xuan's mind remained occupied with the shattered altar and the voices that spoke of ancient wrongs.
---
"We've earned a moment of rest," Xu Yan said, dropping his pack onto the soft grass. His voice was lighter than usual, but a tension remained in his eyes. "We've been walking for hours."
Yu Mei nodded, stretching her arms as she surveyed the surroundings. "This place seems safe enough. No strange energy, no creepy carvings. Just… normal."
Li Fengxian knelt by a stream that babbled nearby, refilling his canteen. "Normal can be deceptive. We shouldn't drop our guard entirely."
Lin Xuan remained silent, standing apart from the group. His sharp eyes scanned the horizon as the breeze tugged at his robes. Something was off. The air wasn't just carrying the scent of flowers—it carried whispers. Faint and fleeting, but unmistakably there.
---
Yu Mei approached him, her expression thoughtful. "You've been quiet since the valley. What's on your mind?"
Lin Xuan glanced at her before returning his gaze to the horizon. "That altar wasn't just a random relic. It was part of something larger. And those voices… they weren't lying. We've disturbed something ancient."
Yu Mei crossed her arms. "Ancient, sure. But is it going to come after us?"
Lin Xuan shook his head slowly. "Not yet. But the seals are breaking. Whatever's been hidden for so long is waking up. We need to be ready."
---
As the group settled in for a short break, a sudden gust of wind rustled through the meadow, stronger than the gentle breezes they'd felt before. The sound of it seemed almost alive, carrying with it a faint melody—a haunting tune that sent shivers down their spines.
"Did you hear that?" Xu Yan said, immediately on his feet, his blades drawn.
"I felt it," Li Fengxian replied, his spear ready. "It wasn't just the wind."
Yu Mei narrowed her eyes, her daggers already in her hands. "We're not alone."
---
Lin Xuan closed his eyes, focusing his senses. The melody in the wind wasn't random—it was deliberate. A pattern emerged, subtle and intricate, as though someone—or something—was trying to communicate.
"It's not hostile," he said finally, opening his eyes. "At least not yet. It's... a warning."
"A warning for what?" Xu Yan asked, his grip on his weapons tightening.
Before Lin Xuan could answer, the wind surged again, stronger this time. The melody grew clearer, almost forming words. A strange pressure settled over the meadow, and the grass around them began to shimmer with faint golden light.
---
From the heart of the meadow, a figure materialized—a woman cloaked in flowing robes of silver and green. Her features were delicate, yet otherworldly, her eyes shimmering like starlight. Her presence exuded an aura of calm power, and the melody seemed to emanate from her.
The group instinctively took defensive stances, but Lin Xuan held up a hand. "Wait. She's not here to fight."
The woman's gaze swept over them, resting on Lin Xuan. Her voice was soft but carried an undeniable authority. "You have stepped into realms you do not understand, mortal. The valley you left behind holds more than shadows of the past. It holds truths that could destroy worlds."
Lin Xuan stepped forward, meeting her gaze evenly. "Then tell us what we need to know. We didn't enter that valley by choice, but now that we've seen its secrets, we can't turn back."
---
The woman studied him for a long moment before nodding. "Very well. You deserve at least a fragment of the truth."
She raised her hand, and the shimmering light around them coalesced into an image—a vision of a massive battlefield. Armies clashed beneath a stormy sky, their weapons glowing with power. At the center of the chaos stood a towering figure clad in obsidian armor, his eyes burning with crimson fire.
"Long ago," the woman began, "this land was torn apart by war. The being you see here sought to dominate not just this realm, but all realms. He was a tyrant whose greed knew no bounds."
The vision shifted, showing a group of warriors standing against the armored figure. Each wielded weapons that radiated with a unique brilliance, their faces determined.
"A coalition of the strongest clans rose to oppose him," she continued. "They succeeded in sealing him away, but at a great cost. Their power was drained, and the seals they created could only last for so long."
The image faded, leaving only the woman and the glowing meadow. "That valley was one of the seals. By entering it, you've hastened its decay."
---
Lin Xuan's fists clenched, his mind racing. "If the seals are failing, what can we do to stop him from breaking free?"
The woman's expression softened, though her eyes remained solemn. "The seals can be reforged, but it will not be easy. You must seek the remaining fragments of the coalition's power. Only by reuniting their strength can the seals be restored."
"And where do we start?" Yu Mei asked, her voice tinged with frustration. "This isn't exactly a small task you're laying on us."
The woman smiled faintly. "Your journey has already begun. Trust the path before you. The first fragment lies in the city of Luminaea, to the west. But beware—others are already searching for it, and not all seek to preserve the seals."
---
With that, the woman began to fade, her form dissolving into the wind. Her final words echoed softly: "The fate of realms rests in your hands. Do not falter."
The group stood in silence as the meadow returned to its natural state. The weight of their newfound mission settled heavily on their shoulders.
"Luminaea," Xu Yan said finally. "Guess we know where we're headed."
Lin Xuan nodded, determination hardening his features. "This isn't just about us anymore. If we don't act, countless lives will be lost. Let's move."
With renewed purpose, the group set off toward the west, their footsteps carrying them toward the unknown. Behind them, the wind whispered softly, as if offering a silent prayer for their success.