都市魔法师

The morning sunlight filtered through the shattered roof of the factory, the air still thick with the scent of gunpowder. Qin Yao carried Lin Yao in his arms, slowly leaving the battlefield. It had been a long time since they had truly felt safe.

"Yao Yao, hang in there. We'll find a safe place soon," Qin Yao said, his voice low but firm, his eyes constantly scanning their surroundings for danger.

Lin Yao opened her eyes slightly, her voice weak. "Qin Yao, I'm fine. I just used up too much energy during the awakening… Where are we going now?"

After a moment of contemplation, Qin Yao finally spoke. "To the 'Sanctuary of the Hidden.' Maybe we'll find answers about the 'Source' there."

The "Sanctuary of the Hidden" was a legend whispered in the shadows of the underworld, said to conceal relics of an ancient civilization. It was rumored to contain records about the "Source" and possibly a way to unravel its secrets. However, the place was shrouded in layers of mystery, and those who ventured to find it often vanished without a trace.

"Does that place even exist?" Lin Yao asked, her voice tinged with doubt and anticipation.

"I don't know," Qin Yao said, his gaze resolute. "But it's our only chance."

After days of traveling, Qin Yao and Lin Yao finally arrived at a mysterious forest. Towering trees stretched skyward, their dense canopies nearly blocking out the sunlight. The air was thick with an eerie stillness that sent shivers down their spines.

Leaning on Qin Yao's arm for support, Lin Yao glanced around and whispered, "This place feels strange… like it's guarded by something."

Before her words could fully sink in, a strange humming sound began to echo around them. A pack of pitch-black beasts, their bodies radiating an eerie glow, emerged from the depths of the forest. Their eyes fixated on Qin Yao and Lin Yao.

"Damn it! Shadow Beasts!" Qin Yao cursed, stepping protectively in front of Lin Yao as he gripped his weapon tightly.

The Shadow Beasts moved swiftly, surrounding them in the blink of an eye, making it clear there was no easy escape. Lin Yao gritted her teeth and forced the remaining energy in her body to flow, her palm starting to emit a faint glow.

"No! You've just awakened your powers and haven't recovered yet. Don't push yourself!" Qin Yao yelled.

But Lin Yao shook her head stubbornly. "If I don't help, what will you do? We fight together!"

As the Shadow Beasts prepared to attack, a low roar echoed from the depths of the forest. Moments later, a cloaked figure emerged from the shadows, holding a staff carved with ancient runes. With just a wave of the staff, the Shadow Beasts retreated like a receding tide.

"Young ones, the 'Sanctuary of the Hidden' is not a place you should be venturing to," the mysterious figure said, his voice raspy and heavy with age.

Qin Yao stared at him warily. "Who are you? How do you know about the 'Sanctuary of the Hidden'?"

The stranger pulled back his hood to reveal a scarred face, his piercing eyes filled with a mix of wisdom and weariness. "I was once a 'Seeker of the Source,' like you. But I learned the hard way that the closer you get to the truth, the more perilous it becomes. Are you sure you want to continue?"

Lin Yao stepped forward, her gaze unwavering. "We have no choice. To survive, we must uncover the secrets of the 'Source.'"

After a moment of silence, the stranger sighed deeply. "Follow me. There is much you need to know."

He led them deep into the forest, eventually stopping in front of a stone gate covered in vines. Intricate runes were carved into the gate, and at its center was a glowing crystal.

"This is the entrance to the 'Sanctuary of the Hidden.' But be warned, beyond this gate lies not only answers but also unimaginable dangers," the stranger said gravely.

Qin Yao and Lin Yao exchanged a glance, then nodded in unison. "We're ready."

The stranger placed his hand on the crystal, and the stone gate slowly opened. A blinding light poured out, revealing the faint outlines of a city composed of bizarre and ancient architecture. The air seemed thick with both antiquity and mystery.

"Go on. The wheels of fate have already begun to turn, and there's no turning back now," the stranger said coldly, stepping into the light.

Qin Yao took Lin Yao's hand, taking a deep breath. "Whatever lies ahead, we'll face it together."

Lin Yao nodded gently, her voice soft yet firm. "Together."

Their figures disappeared into the light, and behind the stone gate, a journey of destiny and truth was just beginning.