Lin Xuan stood before the massive iron door, its surface cold and unyielding. The runes etched into its surface glowed faintly, pulsating like a heartbeat, each pulse a testament to the intricate formation guarding whatever lay beyond. The air here was thick, heavy with energy that seemed to press against his very soul.
He took a deep breath, his hands hovering over the runes. The complexity of the formation demanded his utmost focus. Every line, every pulse, was a thread in a web of power that he needed to untangle.
"A dual-layered formation," he murmured, recognizing the interwoven patterns. "Whoever created this didn't want anyone getting in—or out."
---
Far above, Yu Mei continued her diversion. She had led the guards to the outskirts of the district, where she staged a convincing display of a caravan attack. Her cries for help drew their attention, but the unease in their expressions showed their suspicion.
One of the guards frowned. "This doesn't feel right. We should report back—"
Before he could finish, Yu Mei's dagger flashed. In a swift, calculated movement, she incapacitated the nearest two guards. "No reports tonight," she muttered, her voice cold.
The remaining guards drew their weapons, but Yu Mei had no intention of engaging in a prolonged fight. She dashed into the shadows, disappearing as quickly as she had appeared. Her task was to keep them away from Lin Xuan, not to engage in needless combat.
---
Xu Yan watched the scene unfold from the rooftops, his bow ready. He tracked Yu Mei's movements, ensuring she was not pursued. When one of the guards broke away from the group, likely to summon reinforcements, an arrow whistled through the air, striking the man's leg and pinning him to the ground.
Xu Yan smirked, his voice low. "Stay where you are."
---
Back in the vault, Lin Xuan's hands moved with precision, tracing the formation's energy flow. The first layer was a defensive barrier, designed to repel intruders. He channeled his own energy into it, matching its frequency and disrupting its balance.
The runes flickered, their light dimming.
"One down," he muttered, sweat beading on his forehead.
The second layer was more insidious. It wasn't just a defensive mechanism; it was a trap. If triggered, it would collapse the entire passage, burying the intruder alive.
Lin Xuan closed his eyes, reaching out with his senses. He visualized the energy threads, delicate and interconnected. Each thread had to be severed in a specific sequence to avoid activating the trap.
Minutes passed in tense silence. His breathing slowed, his focus narrowing to the task at hand. Finally, the last thread unraveled, and the runes faded completely.
The door groaned as it unlocked, the sound reverberating through the chamber. Lin Xuan pushed it open, revealing the vault beyond.
---
The room was vast, its walls lined with shelves holding treasures that glittered in the dim light. Rare artifacts, ancient scrolls, and precious gems lay untouched, their value immeasurable. But Lin Xuan's gaze was drawn to the pedestal at the center of the room.
On it rested a fragment of an ancient artifact—a shard of crystalline light, pulsing with an otherworldly glow.
"The fragment," he whispered, stepping forward.
As he reached for it, the air shifted. A low hum filled the room, and a voice echoed, deep and resonant.
"Who dares disturb the Vault of Echoes?"
Lin Xuan froze, his eyes scanning the room. The light from the fragment intensified, coalescing into a spectral figure. It was a guardian spirit, its form translucent but imposing, its eyes glowing with ancient wisdom.
"Leave now, mortal," the spirit commanded. "This place is not for the likes of you."
Lin Xuan straightened, his hand falling to the hilt of his sword. "I mean no disrespect, but this fragment is not meant to languish here. It belongs to the world, not to the dust of this vault."
The spirit's gaze narrowed. "Such arrogance. Prove your worth, or perish where you stand."
---
The guardian surged forward, its spectral form rippling like water. Lin Xuan reacted instantly, drawing his sword in a fluid motion. The blade clashed with the spirit's energy, sending sparks flying.
The guardian was fast, its attacks relentless. It wielded a weapon forged of pure light, each strike a blur. Lin Xuan dodged and parried, his movements precise but strained. The spirit's power was overwhelming, its very presence sapping his strength.
"You're strong," Lin Xuan muttered, his breathing labored. "But strength alone isn't enough to guard this fragment."
He shifted his stance, channeling his energy into his sword. The blade began to glow, its light matching the intensity of the spirit's weapon.
The next clash was explosive, the force shaking the chamber. Lin Xuan pushed forward, his strikes growing more aggressive. He analyzed the spirit's movements, identifying patterns and weaknesses.
Finally, he saw his opening. As the spirit raised its weapon for a powerful strike, Lin Xuan sidestepped, his blade slicing through its form. The spirit recoiled, its glow flickering.
"You fight with purpose," the guardian said, its voice softer now. "Perhaps you are worthy after all."
The light of the spirit began to fade, its form dissolving. "Take the fragment, but beware—its power comes with a price. Use it wisely, or it will destroy you."
---
Lin Xuan approached the pedestal, his hand hovering over the fragment. He could feel its energy, vast and unyielding, resonating with his very soul.
As he grasped it, a surge of power coursed through him, flooding his senses. Visions flashed before his eyes—ancient battles, forgotten realms, and a shadowy figure cloaked in dragonfire.
The vision ended as quickly as it began, leaving Lin Xuan breathless. He tucked the fragment safely into his robes and turned toward the door.
---
Outside, Yu Mei and Xu Yan regrouped, their faces tense but relieved.
"Did you get it?" Yu Mei asked.
Lin Xuan nodded. "I did. But we need to move. The longer we stay, the more dangerous it becomes."
As they slipped into the night, the weight of their prize pressed heavily on them. The fragment was theirs, but at what cost? And what other forces were now aware of its awakening?
Their journey was far from over.