The following morning, sunlight filtered through the treetops at the mouth of the valley and scattered across the ground, driving away the chill that lingered from the night. After a full night of rest, most of the group had recovered from their injuries, and their spiritual energy had largely been restored.
Dustin informed the others about the hidden opening he had discovered in the rock wall, after which Grace gathered the key members of the group to discuss their next move.
“We do not know where this opening leads, “she said. “However, the fact that the beasts refuse to approach this section of the cliff suggests that something here frightens them. That means it is either a great opportunity or a great danger.”
Adam considered the situation before offering his analysis.
“Based on the rules governing Mount Aethermoor, the most dangerous places usually hold the greatest opportunities. We are trapped here, and moving upward is our only path forward. If that opening leads higher up the mountain as a shortcut, it’s worth investigating.”
Scarlet turned to Dustin with a worried look.
“But his cultivation is sealed. If something happens inside…” She trailed off. Dustin waved his hand dismissively. “No need to worry about me. If we move as a group, then we advance together and retreat together. I will not hold everyone back again.”
Grace listened to both sides before finally making her decision. “Then, we’ll explore the passage,” she said. “But we go in fully prepared.”
Once the group had reorganized and equipped themselves, Dustin led them to the concealed opening in the rock face.
Several members of the Sovereign Aegis guards who specialized in scouting entered first to check the passage. After a short while, they sent back a signal indicating that the interior was safe for the moment and the rest of the team could proceed.
They entered one after another and proceeded single file through the narrow passage, which was so tight that each person had to turn sideways to pass. The rock walls on both sides were slick with moisture, and the air smelled damp and stale.
After moving forward for roughly half an hour, the corridor gradually widened, and a faint light appeared ahead. When they stepped out of the passage, the space opened abruptly before them. What lay inside the mountain’s hollow was an enormous cavern.
The vaulted ceiling rose hundreds of feet overhead, with countless stalactites hanging downward. Light filtered in from somewhere above and struck the stone formations below, scattering into shifting bands of color. At the cavern’s center stood a ruined ancient hall.
The structure had been built entirely from a bluish-gray stone. Though much of it had fallen into ruin, traces of its former grandeur were still visible.
The doors of the hall were tightly shut, and intricate carvings covered their surface, depicting what appeared to be an immortal wielding a sword to cut down demons Above the entrance, “Hall of Hidden Truth “had been carved in large, ancient script.
“It’s a relic left behind by ancient cultivators,” Adam said with surprise.
The group approached the hall cautiously. When they came within roughly 30 feet of the entrance, a ring of light suddenly ignited on the ground and spread outward, enveloping everyone present. From within the hall, an elderly voice spoke.
“Who goes there? Do you possess a token?”
The group exchanged uncertain glances. Dustin’s thoughts raced. Reaching into his robes, he took out the ancient token he had found earlier in the valley. He had picked it up from a crack in the rocks shortly after being teleported onto the mountain and had kept it with him ever since.
The moment he took out the token, it began to glow faintly, resonating with the circle of light around them. At the same time, the carved patterns on the hall doors lit up, and the massive doors slowly parted to either side.
“The token is valid. Entry to the hall is permitted. Each person may enter only once. Whatever is obtained inside will be determined by fate. However, the hall is filled with mechanisms and traps. Whether you live or die will be your own responsibility.”
The elderly voice echoed again before falling silent. The group exchanged glances, their expressions reflecting both excitement and caution. Grace was the first to step forward. “Let’s go. We’ve come this far. There’s no reason to hesitate now.”
When they crossed the threshold, the surroundings changed abruptly. Instead of entering a single grand hall together, they found themselves separated and transported into different isolated spaces.
Dustin stood alone in a narrow corridor. Along the walls on either side, eternal lamps had been set into the stone at regular intervals. Their dim flames cast a faint glow, illuminating countless intricate diagrams and inscriptions carved across the surfaces.
He advanced forward slowly, examining the patterns carefully. They appeared to record a cultivation technique. But the information was incomplete, leaving the meaning fragmented and difficult to comprehend.
At the end of the corridor stood a stone chamber. In the center of the room sat a skeleton in a meditative posture, wearing an ancient ceremonial robe.
Although countless years had passed since its death, the remains still maintained their seated position, faintly radiating a lingering pressure. Resting across the skeleton’s knees lay a memory crystal.
