A Fantasy Love Story Across the Warring States Period

Chapter 95: Behind the Hidden Door and a New Crisis

The woman in black robes, the man in white, and Ling'er were drawn to the suddenly appearing hidden door, but the water monster's attack showed no sign of stopping. It continued to pounce on them with its claws outstretched, its sharp cries echoing in the empty space, making their eardrums ache.

While brandishing her sword to fend off the water monster, the woman in black shouted, "We have to find a way to rush into that secret door; maybe we can get rid of this monster there!" The man in white also knew that the situation was critical, so he increased the intensity of his jade flute playing, and the music transformed into invisible blades that shot towards the water monster, temporarily forcing it back a bit.

Ling'er's eyes were filled with terror, but seeing the woman in black robes and the man in white fighting so desperately, she suppressed her fear and followed closely behind them. Taking advantage of the moment when the water monster was repelled, the three of them ran towards the hidden door. Upon seeing this, the water monster roared and chased after them again at great speed, and it looked like it was about to catch up with them.

Just as the water monster was about to pounce on them, they finally rushed into the hidden door. As soon as they entered, it was as if an invisible force slammed the door shut behind them with a "bang," keeping the water monster out. All they could hear was the water monster's angry pounding sounds coming from behind the door, one after another, making the hidden door tremble slightly.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief and turned to examine the environment inside the hidden door. The light was extremely dim, with only a few faint rays filtering through a crack in the ceiling, barely enough to make out the outlines of their surroundings. The ground was damp, creaking underfoot as if they might sink into it at any moment. A pungent, musty smell filled the air, making them instinctively want to cover their noses and mouths.

Huanmo continued his journey through the valley, the path strewn with jagged rocks. Occasionally, small, unidentified beasts would dart past him, giving him a wary look before quickly darting away. His mind was preoccupied with Ling'er and the others, so his pace quickened, and he forgot his weariness. The sky was beginning to lighten, the first hint of dawn breaking through the gloom and bringing a glimmer of light to this desolate land. Looking at the brightening sky, Huanmo felt a surge of hope; he thought that perhaps he would soon be reunited with his companions.

Inside the hidden door, the woman in black robes cautiously led the way, with the man in white protecting Ling'er as they followed closely behind. As they walked, the surroundings gradually opened up, and they could vaguely see some shimmering crystals embedded in the walls, lending the place a somewhat mysterious atmosphere. Strange symbols appeared on the ground, emitting a faint blue light, seemingly guiding them in some direction.

Ling'er curiously squatted down, wanting to reach out and touch the symbols, but the man in white quickly stopped her: "Ling'er, don't move around. We don't know where these things come from. It would be terrible if we triggered any danger." Ling'er stuck out her tongue and obediently stood up.

Following the guidance of the blue symbol, the woman in black robes walked forward, and soon they arrived at a vast circular hall. The hall's dome was extremely high, painted with a magnificent starry sky. The stars seemed alive, twinkling with dazzling light, making one feel as if they were under a real starry sky, inspiring awe. In the center of the hall stood a stone platform, upon which rested a crystal ball radiating seven-colored light. The light was dreamlike, dazzling, and captivating, drawing everyone's attention.

"This crystal ball looks unusual. Perhaps it's related to the secret of the Seven-Colored Box we're looking for," the man in white muttered to himself, his eyes filled with curiosity.

The woman in black robes also sensed something amiss with the crystal ball. She slowly approached the stone platform, wanting to examine it more closely. But just as she reached the platform, a low, guttural chant suddenly echoed around her, seemingly coming from all directions, reverberating throughout the hall and sending chills down her spine. Immediately afterward, a group of mysterious figures dressed in black robes, their faces concealed, surged out from every corner of the hall. They carried staffs emitting an eerie glow and approached the woman in black robes and her companions step by step.

The woman in black robes was startled. She quickly drew her sword, assumed a defensive stance, and shouted, "Who are you?" The mysterious figures did not answer, but instead chanted incantations. With a wave of their staffs, wisps of black smoke swept towards them. The man in white hurriedly played his jade flute, trying to use the power of music to dispel the black smoke, but the smoke only gathered more and more, gradually enveloping them.

Ling'er was so frightened that she clung tightly to the black-robed woman's leg, her face pale, and she kept saying, "Sister, I'm scared. Why isn't brother here yet?" The black-robed woman stroked Ling'er's head tenderly and comforted her, "Don't be afraid, Ling'er. I'm here with you. We'll definitely get out of here."

On Huanmo's side, after crossing a small hill, he saw a building looming in front of him. The outline of the building looked familiar in the morning light. He was overjoyed and quickened his pace towards it. His intuition told him that Ling'er and the others were likely there.

Inside the circular hall, the woman in black robes and her companions, shrouded in black smoke, had their vision blurred. They could only vaguely sense the mysterious figures drawing ever closer, the aura of danger growing stronger. Could they break through the black smoke's encirclement and repel these mysterious figures? Would they be able to uncover the secret of the seven-colored crystal ball? Everything remained uncertain. The gears of fate continued to turn in this mysterious place, awaiting them to write the next chapter of their story…