The moment Yun Lan grasped the green staff in her hands, something extraordinary happened.
A blinding green light burst from the gem at the top of the relic, wrapping around her like a cocoon of vines and magic. The staff trembled violently before it suddenly cracked and shattered—not into pieces, but into a glowing orb of pure light. The orb hovered in the air for a heartbeat, humming with power, then shot straight into Yun Lan's chest.
She gasped and staggered, clutching her heart. The magic surged through her veins like wildfire, awakening something ancient within her. Her knees buckled, but Leon caught her just in time.
"Yun Lan!" he shouted, alarmed.
"I… I'm fine," she whispered, though her face was pale.
The energy settled within her, and she heard a faint voice echo in her mind.
"Whenever you need me… say the words."
She blinked, steadying herself. " Staff..come."
With a gentle whoosh, the staff appeared in her hand again, materialized from green light. It was warm, alive even, as if it recognized her now.
Arin stared with wide eyes. "That was… amazing."
Kael nodded, visibly impressed. "But we have to move. The chamber is collapsing."
Indeed, the ancient walls began to crack and crumble, stones crashing to the floor, vines writhing like serpents. Dust filled the air.
"This way!" Kael shouted, leading them through the crumbling corridor. The path wound back through the ruins, just wide enough to pass before the walls gave in. They dashed through the narrow escape route, hearts pounding, breath ragged. Behind them, the chamber of the relic was swallowed by stone and darkness.
Once outside, they collapsed onto the grass, panting. The sun had set, and the first stars appeared above, silent witnesses to what had just happened.
Yun Lan wiped sweat from her brow. The staff disappeared once more into her body with a whisper of green light.
Then a voice spoke in her head.
"The seventh relic awaits where the moonlight bathes the crowd. Seek the place where many gather, where fear and hope blend beneath the stars."
It was the black wolf's voice—mysterious, echoing deep within her mind.
Yun Lan's eyes narrowed as she whispered aloud, "A place where people gather… a distant village… where the moonlight shines…"
Leon turned to her. "Did the wolf speak to you again?"
She nodded. "I think I know where the next relic is. We have to travel to a far village… the one surrounded by plains. The people there… they fear the night."
Kael frowned. "I've heard rumors about a village like that. Strange happenings. Superstitions."
Yun Lan stood. "We'll find our answer there."
The group set off again, their journey continuing under the silver light of the moon. They walked through the quiet forest, then crossed a crystal-clear spring that sparkled under the starlight. Birds chirped somewhere in the distance, and the night air grew colder as they entered a wide field.
Butterflies danced in the moonlight—hundreds of them, glowing faintly like spirits. Arin spun around with wide eyes, whispering, "So many…"
"They're not dangerous," Yun Lan said softly. "They're guardians. Protectors of paths forgotten."
Eventually, they saw small huts in the distance—like scattered stones at the edge of the world. The village was quiet, almost too quiet.
As they approached, they noticed people quickly shutting windows, bolting doors. No one stood outside. A sense of dread lingered in the air like smoke after a fire.
"What's going on here?" Leon muttered, his hand near his sword.
They approached the nearest house, and an old woman peeked out from behind a half-closed door. Her eyes were sunken but alert, her face lined with years of worry.
Yun Lan stepped forward. "Excuse me. We mean no harm. Can you tell us what's happening here?"
The woman's lips trembled. "The spirits… they come at night."
"Spirits?" Arin asked, confused.
The woman nodded. "Dark ones. Evil. Every night after sunset, they roam the village, whispering lies, stealing souls. That's why we hide. That's why no one goes out after dark. If you stay… you must stay inside."
Kael narrowed his eyes. "Are they real spirits? Or fear-made shadows?"
The woman opened the door wider. "Come inside. You can ask all the questions you want. But not out here. Not at night."
Leon glanced at Yun Lan, who nodded. "Thank you," she said.
They stepped into the woman's courtyard, where the air felt warmer. A small lantern flickered in the corner. The woman closed the gate and bolted it.
"I'm Grandma Lian," she said, leading them to a wooden bench. "You can stay here tonight. I have an extra room. But beware… do not open the windows. Do not answer the voices, no matter what they say."
Yun Lan bowed her head. "Thank you for your kindness."
The woman poured tea with shaky hands. "You're not the first travelers to pass through here. But many who came… never left."
Arin shivered. "What do they want?"
"No one knows," the woman said. "Some say they are cursed souls. Others say they guard something. I say… they are searching. But for what? No one dares to ask."
Yun Lan closed her eyes, listening to the hum in her body—the relic's power. The green magic inside her pulsed faintly. Something about this village, about the spirits, called to her. The seventh relic… it was near. She could feel it.
But first, they had to survive the night.
To be continued....
What do you think that will happen in chapter 47? Will they be in danger or the haunted city is just a superstition that don't have supernatural forces.
Will they get hurt or they will fight with the spirits.
Comment and let me know what do you think that will happen.
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Have a nice day and chapter 47 will be released tomorrow at the hour 17 PM.