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Li Yong's steps slowed as he drew closer to the wall where Lu Wei stood, frozen in place. Her gaze was locked on a figure—a skeleton, seated in a meditative pose. But what struck them both wasn't just its presence.
It was its immensity.
> Four times the size of a human.
Despite its humanoid form—long limbs, defined bone structure—this being was no ordinary cultivator. It was a giant, long extinct from known cultivation records.
Lu Wei's voice trembled as she spoke, "This… this isn't human. It's a giant—something from the forgotten ages. Even with all the records I studied growing up, I've never seen anything like this."
She, the daughter of one of the most powerful families in the realm, was shaken. First the serpent, now this—two relics of lost worlds standing silent and eternal before them.
> And at the giant's side… an egg.
Smooth. Silver. Gently pulsing.
Next to it, an ancient inscription glowed faintly on the wall—written in an archaic script that only partially survived time's erosion.
---
Back in the present, Li Yong—now middle-aged, sitting against a tree, his wound nearly healed—nodded slowly in response to Lu Wei's question.
> "You mean that skeleton from the cave?" she asked, a tinge of old pain in her voice.
He closed his eyes for a moment. "Yes. That skeleton… changed everything."
He explained, "When we returned to the sect, the elders deciphered part of the writing found near the skeleton. But it was incomplete. There was a part missing—something important. And I had to find it."
> Before he could finish, a terrifying presence descended.
A surge of killing intent pierced the air, so sharp it was like a blade at the throat.
Lu Wei's breath hitched, her face turning pale as her instincts screamed danger. It wasn't just pressure—it was murderous will, aimed at both of them.
Li Yong collapsed to his knees, blood spraying from his lips as an invisible force slammed down on him like a mountain. Despite the years of cultivation and experience, he was nothing in front of this aura.
Then… as quickly as it came, it vanished.
> Silence returned, but the chill lingered.
Lu Wei rushed to his side. "Li Yong! Are you okay?" Her hand trembled as she cradled his face. Seeing the blood on his lips, her heart pounded with fear—but she found no fatal wounds.
"I'm fine… really," Li Yong said, forcing a weak smile. "Just some internal damage. It'll heal soon."
Lu Wei knelt beside him, her face showing more emotion than it had in years.
> "You… how did you get caught up in something like this?"
She didn't even try to hide the quiver in her voice, or the way her hand shook as she touched his cheek.
He pulled her gently into his arms.
"Don't worry," he whispered. "This is my path now. If I want to protect you… our daughter… and people beyond, then I must follow where this road leads. Even if it means facing beings like that."
Tears welled in her eyes. "But what if it kills you? You'll leave me again. You'll leave her again."
Li Yong's expression softened.
> "Do you remember when you told me you were pregnant?"
She nodded, her lip trembling.
> "That was the happiest moment of my life. I swore then that I'd do whatever it takes to keep you and our child safe. Even if the world burns, even if I vanish in that fire—I'll make sure you two survive."
Lu Wei didn't respond with words. She just held him tightly, not wanting to let go.
They sat in silence amidst ancient bones and forgotten power, two hearts bound by love, destiny, and the burdens they could no longer run from.
> But within that silence… the egg beside the giant pulsed faintly once more.
And though they couldn't hear it, deep within that silver shell, something awakened.
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