The clouds in the sky grew heavier, as if the entire world was holding its breath, waiting for something. Chen Shanyi stood in front of the device, her heart filled with an indescribable confusion and fear. The words she had just read were like a gigantic puzzle, tightly locking her thoughts. She couldn't help but recall all the mysterious moments from her father's life—why had he always been so enigmatic? Why had he never revealed his true identity to her?
"The identity of your father is far more complicated than you can imagine." The mysterious man's voice broke through her contemplation again, as he stepped closer. His gaze was deep, as if it could penetrate her very soul.
Chen Shanyi lifted her eyes to look at the man in front of her, a storm of emotions swirling inside her. There were too many questions, but she didn't know where to begin.
"I know you have countless questions," the mysterious man said, reading her thoughts. His voice was gentle. "But you must understand, all of this is far more complex than you realize. Your father didn't intend to hide anything from you; he already knew that one day you would have to face all of this."
Chen Shanyi's heart raced. Her eyes fixed on the words on the screen, a chill rising inside her. "What I have left for you is not just an inheritance, but a history destined to change the world." That sentence echoed in her mind, like a nail driven deep into her soul.
"A history destined to change the world?" she repeated, her voice trembling. "Am I really destined to take on all of this?"
The mysterious man didn't immediately respond. Instead, he took out an ancient copper badge from his cloak. The badge had a peculiar shape, with deeply etched lines on its edges, and a strange gem in the center that emitted a faint glow.
"This is the last relic your father left behind." He handed the badge to her. "It will help you unlock some unknown realms."
Chen Shanyi reached out to take the badge, feeling its weight and coldness. As her fingers touched the surface, she suddenly felt a strange force flow through her body, as though something inside her had awakened.
"What is this feeling?" she murmured, her eyes wide with shock.
"This is the sign of awakening," the mysterious man's tone became more solemn. "Your father always hoped that when the time was right, you would use this badge to find your own power."
"Power?" Chen Shanyi was confused. "I don't have any special abilities."
The mysterious man smiled slightly, as if he had anticipated her reaction. "Your power is not as obvious as others. It is hidden within your blood. Your father knew long ago that, at a certain moment, this power would awaken, and that moment is now."
Chen Shanyi's heart shook. Everything felt so unfamiliar. She couldn't imagine that such power could be hidden within her. Her mind flashed back to her father's smile, warm and reassuring. She had never seen him display even a hint of weakness or uncertainty. It seemed her father had always known something, while she had never realized it.
Suddenly, she snapped out of her daze, took a deep breath, and gripped the badge tightly in her hand. "What should I do now?"
"You have arrived at the crossroads of fate," the mysterious man said in a low voice. "This badge will guide you to the unknown world. What you will face is not just your father's secrets, but also the powerful forces lurking behind them. Are you willing to walk down this dangerous path?"
Chen Shanyi looked at the mysterious man deeply, emotions flickering in her eyes. She didn't answer right away, but silently tightened her grip on the badge. She knew she could no longer turn back. No matter what, she had to walk this road, to face the mystery her father had left behind, and uncover the truth hidden deep within the world.
"I will move forward," she said, her voice low but firm. "No matter what lies ahead, I need to know the answer."
The mysterious man looked at her, his eyes filled with a mixture of satisfaction and expectation. "Then, are you ready?"
"I'm ready." Chen Shanyi's tone was like iron, unwavering.
The moment her words finished, the badge suddenly emitted a brilliant light. The glow expanded, covering the entire room. Chen Shanyi felt a powerful force bursting forth from the badge, as if some hidden passage was opening.
She could hardly open her eyes, the blinding light overwhelming her. Feeling the irresistible pull of the light, her body moved toward it involuntarily. Her heartbeat quickened, and her mind was filled with countless voices, as though unknown paths were unfolding before her.
The mysterious man's voice echoed again, but this time, it carried a profound resonance, as if it came from another world. "Once you step onto this path, there's no turning back. You will face unprecedented trials. Remember, only the strongest of hearts can find the ultimate answer."
The light grew increasingly blinding, and finally, it consumed everything. Chen Shanyi felt herself plunging into an endless darkness.