The Vault remained eerily quiet after Mei Ling's departure. The air hung heavy, laden with a sense of impending doom. Jin Long leaned against a fallen pillar, his breathing ragged. Despite the Genesis Core's power, the strain of the battle had taken its toll.
Yue Lan knelt beside him, her hands glowing with a soft, healing light as she pressed them against his chest. "You pushed yourself too far," she whispered, her brow creased with worry.
Jin Long forced a weak smile. "I had to. If I hadn't… you could have been…"
Yue Lan shook her head, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Don't say it. We survived. That's what matters."
Nearby, Lei Chen and Xiang Wei struggled to their feet. Lei Chen winced, clutching his ribs. "That Mei Ling… she's stronger than Zhan Wuhen. Faster too. I couldn't even track her movements."
Xiang Wei nodded, his jaw tight. "And she wasn't fighting seriously. It was as if she was… toying with us."
Jin Long's fists clenched. The Genesis Core pulsed within him, as if responding to his anger. "They're testing us. Probing our strength. But why?"
A soft, almost melodic voice echoed through the Vault, interrupting their conversation.
"To see if you're worthy."
Everyone's heads snapped up. A figure stood at the entrance of the Vault—a woman dressed in flowing silver robes, her long black hair cascading like a waterfall down her back. Her eyes glowed with a tranquil, ethereal light, and her presence exuded a calming, yet formidable aura.
"Who are you?" Yue Lan asked, her tone wary.
The woman's eyes settled on Jin Long. "My name is Xue Lian. I am a messenger… from the Celestial Realm."
Jin Long's eyes narrowed. "Celestial Realm?"
Xue Lian nodded, stepping forward. "Yes. I am here to deliver a warning. The balance of the worlds has been disrupted. The Void is expanding, its influence seeping into realms it should never reach."
Xiang Wei frowned. "The Void… is it connected to Zhan Wuhen?"
Xue Lian's expression darkened. "Zhan Wuhen was merely a pawn. The true master of the Void is far more powerful, and his reach extends beyond what you can imagine."
Lei Chen's jaw clenched. "Then who is it? Who's pulling the strings?"
Xue Lian hesitated, as if weighing her words carefully. "His name is Xuanyuan Zhi—the Devourer of Worlds. He was once a Celestial General, a protector of the realms. But the power of the Genesis Core corrupted him. He seeks to reclaim it, to absorb its power and become the ruler of all dimensions."
Jin Long's heart raced. The Genesis Core pulsed violently, as if reacting to the name.
"Xuanyuan Zhi…" he murmured. "Why does he want the Core?"
"To become a god," Xue Lian said, her voice grave. "If he succeeds, he will consume all realms, merging them into a single Void where he reigns supreme."
Yue Lan's eyes widened. "Then… what happened to the Celestial Realm?"
Xue Lian's eyes lowered, her voice trembling. "It has fallen. Xuanyuan Zhi has already begun his conquest. The Celestial Realm is now under his control, and he is gathering his forces to march on the Mortal Realm."
Jin Long's jaw set, his fists trembling. "Then we don't have much time."
Xue Lian's eyes met his, her expression fierce. "No, you don't. The only way to stop Xuanyuan Zhi is to master the Genesis Core's true power. But to do that, you must first ascend to the Celestial Realm and reclaim the Seven Heavenly Seals."
Xiang Wei's brows furrowed. "Seven Heavenly Seals? What are they?"
Xue Lian raised her hand, and seven shimmering orbs appeared, each radiating a unique, powerful aura. "These seals were created to contain Xuanyuan Zhi's power. But when the Celestial Realm fell, they were scattered across the dimensions."
Lei Chen stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with resolve. "Then we need to find them. Fast."
Xue Lian nodded. "Indeed. But be warned—the Seals are guarded by powerful entities, each more dangerous than the last. To claim them, you will need to pass the trials and prove your worth."
Jin Long stood up, his body still aching but his resolve unshaken. "Then tell us where to start."
Xue Lian smiled, her eyes shimmering. "The first Seal is located in the Valley of Forgotten Souls. But beware—the guardian there is ruthless. And she holds a grudge against the Genesis Core's previous wielder."
Jin Long's eyes hardened. "Then let's go. The sooner we gather the Seals, the sooner we can face Xuanyuan Zhi."
Xue Lian stepped aside, opening a portal of silver light. "Prepare yourselves. The path ahead will not be easy. And remember—the Void's shadows are watching your every move."
Jin Long glanced back at his companions, each of them bearing wounds and scars from the recent battle. But in their eyes, he saw the same resolve that burned within him.
Together, they stepped through the portal, ready to face the trials awaiting them in the Valley of Forgotten Souls.