"I wonder if my X-ray vision works here."
Standing before the vast bamboo forest, Alex couldn't help but have this thought.
He didn't hesitate—he activated his X-ray sight and tested it.
Nothing.
His vision hit a solid wall of… something.
It didn't penetrate at all.
On the surface it looked like an ordinary bamboo forest, but anyone with half a brain knew this place was anything but ordinary.
After all—
What kind of bamboo forest moves on its own?
Forget it.
Following the map was still the safest way.
As for blasting the entire forest into oblivion?
Alex didn't even consider it.
He already had a map. No need to create unnecessary chaos.
He followed the route, stepped into the designated area—
CRACK-CRACK-CRACK!
The bamboo suddenly shifted aside—
As if pushed by an invisible giant hand.
A path opened on its own.
SWISH!
Alex stepped inside and instantly vanished.
Behind him, the bamboo moved again—
closing the path completely,
as though it never existed.
Within the forest, a constantly shifting labyrinth unfolded.
Anyone without prior knowledge would've been lost—and swallowed—within seconds.
But Alex walked through it effortlessly.
After all, he had the exact map.
Soon, he arrived at a waterfall-hidden cavern—the entrance he'd been looking for.
"Found it."
Feeling a slight surge of excitement, Alex passed through the waterfall and entered the cave.
SWISH!
A shimmering warp gate appeared.
Alex stepped through—and his surroundings changed completely.
A paradise-like realm unfolded before him.
Calling it an immortal paradise wasn't exaggeration.
Emerald mountains, crystal lakes, lush grass—
The very air smelled sweet.
The ambient cosmic energy here was leagues richer than the outside world.
Scattered throughout the mountains and fields were creatures resembling mythical Eastern beasts—
Whether they had the legendary abilities, Alex didn't know.
He only remembered none of them actually fought back in the Shang-Chi finale anyway.
But ahead—
A group of armed Ta Lo guardians had gathered.
At the front stood Guang Bo and Ying Nan.
Names might not be recognizable—but Ying Nan looked exactly like Michelle Yeoh.
Shang-Chi's aunt.
"STOP RIGHT THERE!"
Guang Bo slammed his staff on the ground and shouted.
"Who are you? How did you enter this place?" Ying Nan demanded sharply.
They didn't recognize Alex—unsurprising.
Ta Lo had been isolated from the world for centuries.
"Please don't misunderstand. I'm here for one purpose."
Alex lifted a hand and pointed across the lake—toward a distant cliff.
The guardians stiffened instantly.
Because that cliff was—
the sealed prison of the Dweller-in-Darkness.
Could it be…?
Guang Bo and Ying Nan exchanged a look.
Yes, they had seen this before.
Over thousands of years, many outsiders had been tempted to come here.
Drawn by the Dweller's whispers.
This young man might be another victim.
"What exactly do you want?" Guang Bo asked again, eyes narrowed.
"There's an evil presence sealed in that cliff. I don't know what it is, but it has been invading my friend's mind for three years—causing serious harm."
"I'm here to end it."
Alex's explanation was simple and direct.
As expected—
Guang Bo and Ying Nan immediately relaxed a little.
"Stranger, then we must talk."
Ying Nan stepped forward.
The other guardians dispersed under Guang Bo's gesture.
Soon, only Alex and Ying Nan remained, walking along the riverbank.
"Stranger," Ying Nan began seriously,
"I'm sorry for what happened to your friend. But there is nothing you can do."
"We have lived here for more than four thousand years, guarding one duty—keeping the Dark Gate sealed so the demon behind it cannot escape."
"If it gets out, both our world and your world will suffer catastrophe."
"So the safest way is to keep it sealed. That is the only way."
She explained solemnly.
"No," Alex replied decisively.
"I'm here to kill it."
"You want the threat gone forever, don't you?"
Ying Nan sighed.
"If killing it were possible, do you think our people would've guarded this place for millennia?"
Alex shrugged lightly.
"Maybe your people can't kill it… because you're not strong enough."
Ying Nan blinked, then actually laughed.
This young man… was fearless due to ignorance.
That thing behind the Dark Gate—
Even the divine dragon couldn't kill it.
Only seal it.
"How could anyone possibly defeat such a creature?" she murmured.
"I know you don't believe me," Alex said calmly.
"But you can't stop me. I will kill that demon today."
"And when I do, you'll thank me."
"You're more stubborn than I expected."
Ying Nan stared at Alex for a few seconds, then sighed.
PAH.
She placed a hand firmly on Alex's shoulder—
A grappling move.
"In that case, I can only send you away."
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