Darkness echoed in the depths of the ancient realm.
When Yan Xi opened his eyes, he found himself on a hard surface. He immediately scanned his surroundings.
Ling Yue…
She was still in his arms, unconscious. Taking a deep breath, he tried to sense the energy around him to determine his location.
Just then, Bai Xuan's voice echoed:
"Yan Xi! We're here!"
Bai Xuan, Mo Ye, Ling Feng, and Ren Yue had appeared a few meters away. But someone was missing.
Yun Zhi…
Yan Xi furrowed his brows. "Where is the rest?"
Bai Xuan checked his seals and shook his head.
"I don't know. But this place is far more dangerous than we thought."
Mo Ye noticed a figure approaching through the shadows. He drew his sword.
But the figure wasn't an enemy.
The silver-haired man appeared once more.
"Welcome," he said in a calm voice. "You have reached the heart of the ancient realm. But unfortunately… you are incomplete."
Yan Xi clenched his fist.
"Where is Yun Zhi?"
The silver-haired man tilted his head slightly. "Ah… him?"
He sighed.
"Unfortunately, he has fallen into someone else's hands."
---
Yun Zhi's Dark Awakening
In a cold, dimly lit chamber, the chains around Yun Zhi's wrists clinked softly.
Chained?
He lifted his head, and that's when he saw her.
Mo Lian.
Long, dark purple hair. Pale silver eyes. A gaze that was deadly yet mesmerizing.
Yun Zhi let out a quiet laugh.
"So… we finally meet, huh?"
Mo Lian smirked.
"I've been waiting for this moment for a long time, Yun Zhi."
He glanced at the chains around his wrists.
"And this is how you greet me?"
Mo Lian narrowed her eyes slightly.
"You fascinate me, Yun Zhi."
She took a step closer.
And gently placed her hand on his chin.
Yun Zhi smirked, his eyes sharp and unreadable.
"Is that a compliment… or a threat?"
Mo Lian leaned in, staring straight into his eyes.
"Both."
Her silver gaze burned into his mind, and he felt something shifting deep within him.
But then he realized.
He could play this game.
He could use his charm to escape.
And just like that, a dangerous smile appeared on Yun Zhi's lips.
This time… he would not be the prey.