Whispers of the Jade Lotus
Chapter 4
Wei Lianfeng
Any chance you can crack that seal? Or should I take a stab at it?
Lan Yueming
This seal is complex. It’s designed to keep intruders out—and something inside.
Wei Lianfeng
Let me guess: you’re going to say we need to proceed with caution.
Lan Yueming
Correct. But knowing you, caution isn’t your strong suit.
Wei Lianfeng
Hey, I can be cautious. Watch this.
(He pokes the seal with a stick. A small explosion sends him stumbling back.)
Lan Yueming
(sighing)
Reckless as always. Step aside.
He uses a golden talisman to carefully deactivate the seal. The cave opens, revealing a dark corridor leading deeper into the mountain.
Deeper in the Cave
(The duo ventures into the cave, their footsteps echoing. Strange symbols glow faintly on the walls.)
Wei Lianfeng
So, do you think this is the lair of our dark cultivator, or just some fancy hideout?
Lan Yueming
Stay alert. This place is steeped in dark energy. It feels… alive.
A low growl echoes through the cave. Wei Lianfeng instinctively draws his staff, while Lan Yueming tightens his grip on his sword.
Deeper in the Cave
(Lan Yueming and Wei Lianfeng tread cautiously through the dimly lit cavern. The air is heavy with malice, and the faint hum of dark energy resonates around them. Lanterns flicker along the walls, casting fleeting shadows.)
Wei Lianfeng
This place has all the charm of a graveyard. You sure you don’t want to turn back?
Lan Yueming
Fear isn’t an excuse to abandon a mission. If you’re frightened, I won’t hold it against you.
Wei Lianfeng
Me? Frightened? I’m just trying to keep you from overexerting that icy facade of yours.
Lan Yueming pauses for a moment, his gaze softening as he looks at Wei Lianfeng.
Lan Yueming
You talk too much, but your presence… is oddly reassuring.
Wei Lianfeng blinks, caught off guard by the unexpected remark. He covers his reaction with a smirk.
Wei Lianfeng
Careful, Lan Yueming. That almost sounded like a compliment.
Lan Yueming
Don’t let it go to your head.
Encounter with the Spirit Guard
(Ahead, a massive stone guardian blocks their path, its eyes glowing crimson. The guardian speaks in a low, rumbling voice.)
Gurdian
Turn back, intruders. None may disturb the sanctity of this place.
Wei Lianfeng
Yeah, we’re not here for sanctity. We’re here to stop whoever’s playing with dark magic.
The guardian slams its fists into the ground, causing tremors. Lan Yueming draws his sword, and Wei Lianfeng prepares his talismans.
Lan Yueming
"We’ll have to work together to bring it down.
Wei Lianfeng
You mean I distract it while you do your brooding hero thing? Got it.
The fight begins. Lan Yueming’s precise strikes weaken the guardian’s armor while Wei Lianfeng uses his talismans to create openings. At one point, the guardian lands a heavy blow near Wei Lianfeng, throwing him against the wall.
Lan Yueming
(rushing to him)
Wei Lianfeng! Are you injured?
Wei Lianfeng
(grinning weakly)
Aw, worried about me? That’s sweet.
Lan Yueming
You’re impossible.
Despite his annoyance, Lan Yueming helps him to his feet, his touch lingering for a moment longer than necessary.
After the Battle
(With one final strike, Lan Yueming destroys the guardian’s core, and the creature crumbles into dust. They pause to catch their breath.)
Wei Lianfeng
Not bad, Lan Yueming. Maybe I should stick around you more often. You’re surprisingly reliable.
Lan Yueming
(calmly): I’ve noticed you’re not as reckless as you pretend to be.
Wei Lianfeng
Oh? Is that your way of saying you’re impressed?
Lan Yueming doesn’t reply, but his faint smile doesn’t go unnoticed by Wei Lianfeng. The tension between them lingers, unspoken but undeniable.
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