Into the Depths

After Zen and Yawen left, Yawen asked, "What did you feel after meeting him?"

Zen replied, "I felt a sense of inferiority. He's incredibly strong, like he could take on a thousand Taotei with ease. Knowing that people like him exist makes me realize how much stronger I need to become."

Yawen nodded in agreement. "True, his mastery over elemental arts is beyond anything we've ever seen. It's almost incomprehensible. I wonder what his history is and why he's here."

Zen sighed. "Whatever his reasons, it's clear that I need a master like him to train me. His power and skills are on another level. If he doesn't want to train me, I have to find someone who can help me reach that level. I can't stay where I am; I need to keep growing and improving. The world is much bigger and more challenging than we thought."

Yawen said to Zen, "It's a tough way back home, so we need to hurry, or we'll be late. It seems we shall be parting ways again, Zen."

Zen replied, "Yes, Yawen, it looks like we're going our separate ways." Both made gloomy faces as they descended the mountains.

Zen then suggested, "How about this? We'll meet at this peak three years later, after completing our training. We'll stay in touch via letters. Yun might go somewhere to train too. As for me, I'll head south; Pali said I could learn more about my eyes there. I need to find an excellent master to learn from."

Yawen was perplexed. "Your eyes?"

Zen explained, recounting his battle with the Taotei. He described how he had been overpowered and fallen unconscious. But then he rose again, his true eyes opening and awakening a new power. With his eyes fully awakened, he fought and overpowered the Taotei before collapsing once more.

Yawen was surprised. "Wow, I didn't know that happened."

Zen continued, "I've only told my parents about this. They then shared my backstory, revealing that I'm not their real child. They adopted me and found me elsewhere."

Yawen was completely shaken, her facial expression showing her surprise. "Zen, I didn't know you held such secrets."

Zen nodded. "It's something I've kept hidden for a long time. Learning about my origins has given me a new purpose. That's why I need to train and become stronger to understand my true self and my powers."

Yawen sighed. "We both have our secrets and burdens to bear. 

Zen asked, "Yawen, when will you leave for Chang'an?"

Yawen replied, "In about a week or so. I need to say goodbye to everyone and prepare for my journey. It will be three years before I see my parents and all of you again."

Zen nodded thoughtfully. "That sounds like a long time. Why don't we collect some herbs here before heading back home?"

"Sure," Yawen agreed with a smile. "It's a good idea."

Zen, not knowing much about herb gathering, followed Yawen closely as they began their search. Yawen pointed out various plants, explaining their uses and characteristics as they went along.

"This one," she said, pointing to a small green plant with delicate leaves, "is good for treating wounds. And over here, these purple flowers can be used to make a calming tea."

Zen recognized some of the uncommon and common herbs, as his mother had taught him about them.

As the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting long shadows over the rugged terrain, Zen and Yawen found themselves at the edge of the known paths, heading back home. The tranquility was shattered by a piercing cry for help that echoed through the valley. Without hesitation, Zen and Yawen sprinted towards the desperate call.

In their urgency, they stumbled upon a scene both bizarre and chilling—a strange, twisted creature with sinewy limbs and glowing eyes, clutching a child as it vanished into the dense forest. Fear clenched at Yawen's heart, her voice trembling as she turned to Zen for reassurance.

"I'm scared, Zen," Yawen confessed, her eyes wide with apprehension.

Zen, steady and resolute, placed a comforting hand on Yawen's shoulder. "I'm here with you, Yawen. We'll figure this out together."

Following the creature deeper into the unfamiliar woods, their surroundings grew darker and more foreboding with each step. Yawen's panic mounted as they realized they had strayed far from the safety of their known paths.

"Where are we, Zen?" Yawen's voice quivered, his eyes darting nervously around the encroaching shadows.

"I don't know," Zen admitted quietly, his gaze scanning their surroundings warily. "But we need to find that child."

The distant cry for help spurred them forward, leading them deeper into the labyrinth of ancient trees and winding trails. Just as doubt began to cloud their minds, the creature's eerie cry echoed once more, guiding them towards a gaping maw of a cave concealed within the rock face.

"Don't go in there, Zen," Yawen pleaded, her voice fraught with worry. "It's getting dark, and there could be danger."

Zen's resolve remained unshaken as he turned to Yawen, his expression determined yet reassuring. "I won't let anything happen to you, Yawen. Trust me."

With that, they plunged into the cave's murky depths, where the air hung heavy with an otherworldly chill. The creature, its bizarre form illuminated by shards of moonlight filtering through the cave's entrance, stood before them. Its features were a grotesque fusion of animal and something unearthly—a sight that chilled Yawen to her core.

Zen stared at the creature, its twisted form pleading for help in a guttural voice. But before it could explain further, Zen struck it down, his instincts driving him to protect. He then noticed the child, wide-eyed and trembling.

"Who are you?" Zen asked gently.

"I'm from the town," the child replied, his voice shaky. "We were playing hide and seek, but we strayed too far. This weird creature kidnapped us."

Suddenly, the ground beneath them gave way. They plummeted into darkness, but Zen swiftly used his elemental arts, manipulating air and fire to cushion their fall. As they landed, he looked around, assessing their new surroundings.

"Yawen, are you okay?" Zen asked, his voice filled with concern.

"I'm fine," Yawen responded, though her eyes were filled with fear.

They found themselves trapped, the entrance blocked by debris. Zen tried to combine fire and wind to clear a path, but the obstruction held firm. Panic threatened to overtake Yawen.

"Zen, are we trapped here forever?" she asked, her voice trembling.

"Don't worry, Yawen," Zen reassured her, though uncertainty lingered in his tone. "We will see the sun again. I don't know when, but we will. For now, let's explore that doorway over there. This place looks like an ancient ruin."

Yawen nodded, still shaken. "This part of the mountains has never been explored. It's all dense forests and dangerous creatures. No one ever ventured here because there was no need."

Zen admitted, "I didn't know about this place either. I've never been interested in the mountains, only the plains."

As they moved forward, the child began to cry. "Will I see my mother again?"

Yawen kneeled beside the boy, offering comfort. "Don't worry, child. We will surely reunite you with your mother. What's your name?"

"My name is Rui," the boy replied, sniffling.

Yawen smiled reassuringly. "Rui, we'll get home safely together. Just follow big brother Zen and listen to us, okay?"

"Okay," Rui said, newfound vigor and confidence in his voice.

As they ventured deeper into the ruin, the air grew colder and the shadows grew longer. Suddenly, they stumbled upon a pack of wolves, their eyes glowing menacingly in the dim light.

Zen stepped forward, his stance protective. "Stay close to me," he instructed.

"I'll get through this, said Zen."

Zen used his elemental arts and burned all the wolves to dust. 

Rui said big brother Zen is cool, and Yawen responded, Isn't he? 

Zen felt flustered and went head-on, hiding his embarrassment.

As Zen, Yawen, and Rui moved cautiously deeper into the ruin, the oppressive darkness closed in around them. The faint light from Zen's elemental arts flickered across the ancient stone walls, revealing faded murals and cryptic symbols etched into the surfaces. The eerie quiet was broken only by their footsteps and the occasional distant drip of water echoing through the cavernous space.

"Zen, these symbols... They look like they're telling a story," Yawen observed, her fingers tracing the worn carvings. 

Zen used his fire arts to create light and lead the way. They saw the skeletons of human remains, which scared Yawen and Rui, but Zen was unfazed.

Yawen deduces that this might be an ancient civilization that remains. They venture further in and encounter a strange sight. 

The eerie sight of headless soldiers marching toward them sent chills down everyone's spines. Yawen and Rui, eyes wide with terror, took a few steps back, their breaths quickening. In stark contrast, Zen stood firm, his hand steady as he drew his sword. The metallic sound of the blade slicing through the air was a stark reminder of the imminent danger.

Zen's eyes narrowed, scanning the approaching horde for any sign of weakness. "Stay behind me!" he barked, his voice filled with resolve. With a swift movement, he lunged forward, his sword glinting menacingly in the dim light. The first headless soldier reached him, and Zen's blade found its mark, slicing through the armor with precision. To his astonishment, the soldier did not fall but continued to advance, undeterred by the lethal blow.

Yawen and Rui screamed as the headless soldiers closed in, their fear palpable. Zen swung his sword again, this time with more force, dismembering a soldier's arm. Yet, the relentless foe continued to march forward. The ground trembled under the weight of the advancing army, and the air was filled with the metallic clang of weapons.

Zen decided to use his elemental arts, summoning a burst of fire. Flames erupted from his hand, engulfing the nearest soldiers. But to his horror, the fire seemed to have no effect. The soldiers marched through the flames unscathed, their armor barely singed. "It's not working!" Zen shouted, frustration and desperation in his voice.

"Look for a weakness!" Yawen urged, her eyes darting around for any clue that might help. In the chaos, she noticed something peculiar about the soldiers. Each one had a glowing sigil on their chest, a faint, pulsating light that seemed to control their movements.

"Zen! Aim for the sigils on their chests!" Yawen cried out, her voice cutting through the noise of battle. Zen glanced at the nearest soldier and saw the glowing mark Yawen had pointed out. With determination, he swung his sword, targeting the sigil. The blade connected, shattering the glowing symbol. Instantly, the soldier crumbled to the ground, lifeless.

"It's working!" Zen exclaimed, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "Yawen, help me! Aim for the sigils!" The two of them fought side by side while focusing their attacks on the glowing marks. One by one, the headless soldiers fell, the unknown force animating them dissipating with each shattered sigil.

The tide of battle turned in their favor as they systematically dismantled the headless army. Breathing heavily, they noticed a headless soldier dropping a glowing gem infused with unfamiliar elemental arts. Zen and Yawen exchanged puzzled looks. Rui picked up the gem, examining it closely. "This is used to control dead bodies and enhance them," he explained. "Necromancers use it to create armies."

Yawen, intrigued, asked, "How do you know this?"

Rui shrugged modestly. "I read a lot. Books about artifacts and their uses have always fascinated me."

Zen nodded, realizing how Rui's knowledge can be hugely beneficial.

Awen said, "Necromancy is a big taboo in the elemental arts. Anyone found practicing it is burned at the stake or subjected to other forms of capital punishment. I wonder who is behind all of this."

Zen furrowed his brow, sensing a deeper, more sinister force approaching them. 

Emerging from the shadows, an army of spectral warriors materialized, their forms blending seamlessly with the darkness. These shadow warriors moved with eerie silence, their eyes glowing with a malevolent light. 

Who are they, and what are they capable of?