The Trail of the Arcane Veil

As the trial began, a thick mist coiled around Xie Lin’s feet, creeping up like ghostly tendrils. The lively tavern faded away, swallowed by an eerie silence. A new scene materialized before her—an old courtyard bathed in silver moonlight. The scent of jasmine lingered in the air. She recognized this place instantly.

Home.

Her breath hitched as she saw a familiar figure standing beneath the old cherry blossom tree, dressed in a soft lavender robe embroidered with delicate cranes. The woman turned, her eyes warm and knowing.

“Grandmother?” Xie Lin whispered, her voice barely audible.

The elderly woman smiled, just as she had in life, radiating a comforting presence. “My little Xie Li,” she said tenderly.

Xie Lin froze.

That name.

Her grandmother had never called her Xie Li. She had always used to call her Lin’er.

A chill crawled up her spine, and a sickening unease settled in her gut. Something was wrong.

She took a step back.

Her grandmother’s face darkened, the warmth in her eyes vanishing. Her expression twisted into something sharp, unnatural. Then her lips pulled back, stretching far beyond what was humanly possible. A deep, guttural growl rumbled from her throat.

“Come here, Xie Lin!” she commanded, her voice no longer kind but filled with malice.

Then, from that unnaturally wide mouth, darkness spilled forth. A writhing, shadowed figure clawed its way out, unfurling into something monstrous.

A towering, shadowed presence loomed before her, its form shifting like smoke and ink. The air thickened, charged with a dark, pulsing energy. Red eyes, hollow and unblinking, locked onto hers.

“You are mine,” the entity rasped, its voice both a whisper and a growl. Clawed hands lashed out, seeking to ensnare her.

Xie Lin stumbled back, heart hammering. Her breath came in short gasps. She wanted to run, to escape, but the darkness coiled around her like chains.

Then she saw it.

A red diamond, glowing like a beacon in the abyss.

It hovered just beyond the creature, pulsing with a deep, fiery light. The moment her gaze landed on it, a whisper—ancient and knowing—brushed against her mind.

The key. The exit.

Summoning every ounce of courage, she lunged for the gem, her fingers stretching toward its warmth. As she moved, the darkness around her began to wane, recoiling as if in fear. Shadows melted away, and a sliver of light broke through the abyss.

Just as her fingers brushed the surface of the diamond—

It vanished.

Her breath caught in her throat, her heart pounding wildly. But before panic could take hold, she saw it—just ahead, where the darkness had parted, a massive stone door stood embedded in nothingness. Intricate carvings of swirling patterns covered its surface, glowing faintly with arcane energy.

Drawn by instinct, she stepped forward and pressed her palm against the cool stone.

The door pulsed beneath her touch, and suddenly, a rush of warmth enveloped her. The nightmare shattered.

Light.

A brilliant, searing light washed over the illusion, dispelling the nightmare. The tavern came rushing back, laughter and chatter flooding her ears.

Xie Lin stood in the center of the stage, trembling. The crowd erupted in cheers, unaware of the sheer terror she had just endured.

The announcer’s booming voice rang out. “A victory! She has seen through the Veil!”

A pouch of gold was pressed into her hands, but she barely felt its weight. Her mind was still reeling.

Ming Ke crossed her arms, smirking, “ I could have done better”.

Gu Min clapped her on the shoulder. “Well done, newbie. Not many make it through their first trial without screaming.”

Xian Li studied her carefully. “Are you alright?”

Xie Lin forced a small smile, nodding. “Just… tired.”

She thanked them, forcing herself to join in their lighthearted celebration, but deep down, a seed of unease had taken root. The trial had been an illusion.

And yet—

It had felt so real.

That voice. That presence. Had it truly been part of the game, or… something else?

As they made their way back to the inn, the vibrant city streets blurred around her. Later that night, lying in bed, she stared at the ceiling, trying to shake off the lingering dread.

“It was just an illusion,” she whispered to herself.

But doubt gnawed at the edges of her mind.

When morning arrived, she buried her unease and focused on what lay ahead. The Academy awaited.

And so, with the rising sun, their journey countined.

The road to the Academy was long but vibrant. Bustling merchant carts lined the streets, selling everything from glimmering spell scrolls to exotic fruits that pulsed faintly with magic. Travelers, scholars, and warriors alike strode past, each on their own path of destiny.

Xie Lin remained quiet, still shaken by the events of the previous night. Every shadow in the corners of the streets made her uneasy, and every whisper of the wind felt like an echo of that dark voice. Was it really over?

Gu Min, ever perceptive, nudged her. “Still thinking about the trial?”

She hesitated before nodding. “It just felt… too real.”

Ming Ke scoffed. “That’s the whole point of the Trials. They test you in ways you least expect. You should be proud you didn’t lose yourself in it.”

Xian Li gave her a reassuring look. “Whatever it was, it’s behind us now. The Academy awaits.”

The vibrant streets eventually gave way to winding forest paths, where towering trees loomed overhead, their emerald canopies filtering the golden sunlight into scattered, dappled patterns. The air was thick with the scent of moss and blooming wildflowers, but underneath it all, there was something else—a quiet hum of magic, ever-present and ancient.

As they moved deeper into the forest, the sounds of the city faded, replaced by the rustling of leaves and the distant call of unseen creatures. Occasionally, glowing motes of light flitted between the trees, vanishing as quickly as they appeared.

Then, at last, they saw it.

The Celestial Academy stood at the heart of the enchanted forest, its towering spires rising like ancient monoliths, shimmering under the morning light. Vines curled around the marble walls, their blossoms glowing faintly with magic. Intricate archways stretched high above the entrance, adorned with celestial engravings that pulsed with a quiet, rhythmic light.

Xie Lin exhaled, awe-struck.

Gu Min grinned. “Welcome to the Celestial Academy.”

After entering the academy, Xie Lin and Ming Ke were led through the grand corridors into a vast chamber where Elders Yin and Bei awaited them. The air was thick with ancient power, and the soft glow of enchanted lanterns cast shifting patterns across the walls.

Xie Lin and Ming Ke stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

Elder Yin’s sharp gaze softened as he regarded them. “Welcome to the academy,” he said warmly. “You have both come a long way. There is much to learn, and I trust you will make the most of this opportunity.”

He turned toward a young man standing nearby. “Xiang Jin, show them around the academy. Let them become familiar with their surroundings.”

Xiang Jin, the academy’s head boy, gave a small bow. “Yes, Elder.” He motioned for Xie Lin and Ming Ke to follow, and with one last glance at the elders, they stepped out of the chamber, the heavy doors closing behind them.

The warmth in Elder Yin’s expression faded the moment they were gone.

Elder Bei sighed, his tone colder. “I told you to bring one. You brought two.”

Xian Li met his gaze evenly. “They both possess immense power. We don’t know yet who the prophecy child is.”

Elder Yin folded his hands. “It will reveal itself in time. For now, evaluate them. Enroll them with the first-year students as transfers and ensure they adapt quickly to the academy’s teachings.”

Gu Min and Xian Li bowed their heads. “Yes, Elder.”

A heavy silence followed before Gu Min spoke. “How much time do we have before the seal breaks?”

Elder Bei’s expression darkened. “At most, three years. Before then, we must identify the prophecy child—and find a way to kill the Devil.”

The chamber fell into silence once more, the weight of their task pressing down on them like an unseen force.

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