“师父啊师父！”林小雨 repeatedly called out, her voice filled with desperation and hope. She had sought the legendary mountain peak for over a month now, hoping to find the elixir of immortality hidden deep within its labyrinthine tunnels. The thought of finally meeting Master Lin brought a smile to her face, but as she stepped into the forbidden forest beyond the seventh gate, her heart sank.
The air was cold, the trees were gnarled and twisted, and the shadows seemed to follow her every step. She had heard rumors about the “fallen ones” who attempted this quest—those who lost themselves in the pursuit of power. But Lin knew better than to judge others by their actions. Still, she couldn’t help but feel a knot of dread wrapping around her as she pressed forward.
After days of relentless searching, she finally found a hidden spring where water seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly glow. It was here that Master Lin’s presence was felt—a gentle, warm aura that enveloped her completely. Her heart leaped at the sight of him—his long dark hair flowed like water, his eyes sparkled with wisdom and determination.
But as she approached, the ground beneath her feet gave way, and a cold sweat trickled down her back. The air was thick with smoke and decay, and the trees were twisted beyond recognition. Lin stumbled, nearly toppling over as she clung to Master Lin’s arm.
“Little sister, are you okay?” Master Lin asked, his voice filled with concern. His hand tightened around hers, his grip gentle yet firm. Together, they waded through the fiery waters, their steps slow but steady. The world around them seemed to narrow, until only the two of them remained.
As they emerged from the depths, the forest behind them lay in shadows. The trees had transformed, their trunks twisted and blackened, as if scorched by fire. Lin felt a surge of anger and frustration wash over her. She had come so far—why did Master Lin allow this? Why did he let them continue?
But when she turned to look at him, his expression was calm and understanding. “We must return,” he said softly. “The forces beyond us are too great. We cannot afford to linger.”
And with that, Master Lin held out his hand to her. The connection between them was instantaneous—a bond forged in the face of certain death. Together, they set off on a journey back to the surface, their steps lighter and steadier.
Along the way, they encountered twisted, grotesque creatures that oozed forth from the ground. But Master Lin’s presence protected them, his aura shielding them from the worst of their attacks. “Don’t worry,” he said, his voice steady despite the fear that pulsed in her heart. “We are strong together.”
Even as they reached the surface again, the forest was not yet behind them. The smoke and decay clung to everything in its path, a reminder of what had been lost. But Lin knew then—this was but the beginning.
As the two of them stood at the edge of the final gate, Master Lin looked into her eyes. “The journey is far from over,” he said. “But remember, we are not alone.”
