Not long ago, amidst a snow-covered forest ravaged by a bitter storm, a tall figure in a tattered cloak sprinted swiftly through the snow. This young man, with sharp features and sly, narrow eyes, bore a smirk on his lips—an expression suggesting he could turn any situation to his advantage.
His messy black hair whipped in the wind, sweat clinging to his face. Despite the freezing snowstorm, his confident gaze showed no trace of fear.
Breathing steadily, he maintained his pace with ease. Even as the snow beneath his feet grew slippery, he balanced effortlessly, nimbly dodging branches and dense pine trees without missing a step.
Footsteps echoed behind him, accompanied by furious shouts.
"Qin Yesheng! Run if you must! But this time, you won't escape!"
Upon hearing his name, Qin Yesheng smirked, a mocking grin that made their threats seem meaningless. He paused briefly, glancing back at his distant pursuers before responding in a calm yet taunting voice,
"Come and try."
Behind him, three armored pursuers pushed forward through the snow, their grim faces straining to suppress their exhaustion in pursuit of him.
Turning back, Qin Yesheng scanned his surroundings for an escape route. Before him stretched towering mountains dense with pines and a steep, treacherous path seemingly leading into a deep abyss. Yet, his eyes glimmered at the danger.
"The Cursed Land… If this place can't save me, nowhere can." he muttered, quickening his pace.
After battling the storm for some time, Qin Yesheng halted at the edge of a towering cliff. Below lay a deep abyss, hidden beneath a thick veil of snow. His gaze swept around until it landed on a cave entrance cloaked in shadow. His eyes lit up.
"Bailing Mountains… I've heard of you for a long time," he murmured confidently.
The sound of pounding footsteps drew nearer, followed by another enraged shout.
"Stop running, Qin Yesheng! There's no use!"
Glancing back, he flashed a broad grin—mischievous and cunning.
"Stop? That's not something I do easily." He muttered, darting straight toward the cave.
In the Darkness of the Cave
Standing at the cave's entrance, Qin Yesheng pulled his tattered cloak tighter against the raging wind. His sharp eyes fixed on the icy veil covering the entrance—translucent, emitting a faint silver glow, yet solid as stone.
He examined the frozen barrier, reaching out to touch it. The instant his palm made contact, a powerful force repelled him backward.
"That strong, huh? How do I get through..." he mumbled, swiftly regaining his footing.
Drawing a sharp dagger from his waist, its blade glinting faintly, he struck the icy veil. Yet, the barrier remained unscathed, the fleeting cut vanishing instantly.
"Stubborn, aren't you?" A smirk tugged at his lips, his narrow eyes flickering with thought.
The pursuers' shouts grew closer. Frowning, Qin Yesheng retrieved a small pouch of explosives from his belt.
"Guess you'll have to help me out." He muttered, lighting the fuse and tossing it at the barrier.
A thunderous explosion echoed through the area. But when the smoke cleared, the barrier glowed undisturbed.
"This is tricky..." He exhaled slowly, tension rising as footsteps crept nearer.
Reaching into his leather pouch, he pulled out a translucent blue gemstone that shimmered faintly. Its aura seemed to resonate with the cave itself. Qin Yesheng's eyes gleamed with resolve. Though uncertain if it would work, he had no time to hesitate.
"Help me out, you little magic stone," he whispered, pressing the gem to the icy veil.
A humming vibration rippled outward. The silver glow trembled slightly but held firm.
"Not enough..." He gritted his teeth, twisting the gemstone. The hum intensified as if resisting his efforts.
"Just a little more…" He pushed harder.
The angry shouts of his pursuers were now mere meters away. Qin Yesheng took a deep breath, gathering all his strength. Clenching the gem tightly, he pressed it into the barrier once more.
Suddenly, the silver light cracked. A small opening slowly formed. Wasting no time, Qin Yesheng leaped through into the cave.
"Made it!" he panted softly, now enveloped by the cave's darkness.
The cold inside was even harsher, but Qin Yesheng paid it no mind. Glancing back, he watched the barrier swiftly reseal, erasing any sign of the entrance.
"Did I just step into someone's forbidden domain...?" he muttered, eyes scanning his surroundings.
Dim reflections danced along the icy walls, casting an otherworldly glow. It felt as though he had entered another realm. His footsteps echoed in the silence, leading him deeper into the dark.
"What secrets lie hidden in this cave?" Qin Yesheng smirked defiantly before venturing further into the shadows.