Multiple Personalities

As the light gradually faded, Shen Jingqi found himself in a strange place. All around was a thick white mist, obscuring everything from view.

The three of them felt as if the world was spinning around them. As their vision refocused, the dense fog enveloped everything, tangible and alive, winding around them with a chilling bite that pierced to the bone.

The Crane Immortal frowned, the wrinkles on his forehead deepening as his gaze swept through the surrounding mist.

"It seems this Divine Artifact has more secrets hidden within. We must proceed with caution," the Crane Immortal said, his eyes fixed intently on the box in his hand, as if trying to decipher some mystery from it.

The three of them moved cautiously through the fog, the ground beneath their feet wet and slippery, producing a creaking sound that echoed loudly in the eerie silence. Lin Yue followed closely behind Shen Jingqi, her eyes never leaving his back for a moment.

Suddenly, Lin Yue felt something trip her. She stumbled forward, and Shen Jingqi quickly caught her. Still shaken, Lin Yue patted her chest, saying with lingering fear, "This place is too strange. Can we really get out?"

The Crane Immortal said nothing, only observed the surroundings more vigilantly. His ears twitched slightly, as if listening for something. At that moment, a low rumbling sound came from the distance, as if something immense was churning underground. The sound grew closer, causing the ground to tremble slightly.

"What is that sound?" Lin Yue asked in terror, her voice tinged with a sob.

Shen Jingqi clenched his fists and said, "No matter what it is, we have to face it. Everyone, stay close and don't get separated."

The three huddled tightly together, eyes warily fixed on the direction of the sound. The fog seemed to churn with the sound, like raging waves. Suddenly, a massive dark shadow burst out of the fog, accompanied by a fierce wind. The shadow moved swiftly, reaching them in an instant.

Shen Jingqi reacted quickly, pulling Lin Yue behind him while drawing the sword from his waist, standing in front of them. The Crane Immortal formed seals with his hands, chanting an incantation as a beam of light shot from his hands toward the shadow.

Struck by the light, the shadow let out a roar and halted. Only then did everyone see clearly that it was a gigantic Demon Beast. The creature was shaped like a bull but had three eyes, exuding a black aura with exposed fangs, appearing extremely ferocious.

"What is this monster?" Lin Yue asked, her face pale as she involuntarily retreated.

"Forget what it is for now, find a way to deal with it!" Shen Jingqi shouted, his eyes filled with unwavering determination.

The Demon Beast seemed enraged by their resistance, roaring as it charged at them once more. Shen Jingqi swung his sword to meet it, the blade clashing against the beast's claws, sparking. The Crane Immortal continued to cast spells at the side, beams of light shooting toward the beast. Lin Yue wasn't idle either; she picked up a stone from the ground and hurled it at the beast.

However, the beast was incredibly fierce, and their attacks seemed to have little effect. With a flick of its tail, the Demon Beast sent Shen Jingqi flying. He hit the ground heavily, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.

"Shen Jingqi!" Lin Yue cried out, wanting to run to him.

"Don't come over!" Shen Jingqi shouted loudly, struggling to his feet, and charged at the beast again.

As they were in dire straits, the beast suddenly halted, its three eyes fixed intently on the box in the Crane Immortal's hand, a glint of greed flashing within. It then turned and ran into the depths of the fog, quickly disappearing from sight.

The three sighed in relief, slumping to the ground. "Why did the beast suddenly run off?" Lin Yue asked in confusion.

The Crane Immortal gazed at the box in his hand, speaking thoughtfully, "It seems this Divine Artifact holds some attraction for it. Perhaps there is some connection between the Artifact and this place."

As they walked, they suddenly came upon a stone wall. The wall was smooth as a mirror, carved with strange runes. Curiously, Lin Yue reached out to touch the runes, abruptly pulling her hand back with a cry of pain, "Ouch! That hurts!"

Shen Jingqi and the Crane Immortal hurried over. "What happened?" Shen Jingqi asked with concern.

Lin Yue looked at her finger, where a small wound wept fresh blood. "I just touched those runes and felt something pricking me," she said, aggrieved.

The Crane Immortal closely examined the runes, furrowing his brow even more. "These runes are not simple; they seem to contain some powerful force. We should avoid touching them lightly," he advised.

As they studied the stone wall, suddenly, the ground began to shake. The runes on the wall emitted a dazzling light, beams interlacing to form a giant luminous screen.

"What's happening?" Lin Yue asked fearfully.

The Crane Immortal's face changed dramatically as he realized the situation was bad. "Get back!" he shouted.

But it was too late. The light rapidly closed in on them, enveloping them in a powerful force that sucked them into the light screen.

When they regained consciousness, they found themselves inside a massive cavern. The cavern walls sparkled with strange lights, as if inlaid with countless gems. At the cavern's center stood a large stone platform, upon which rested a sphere radiating a gentle glow.

"Where is this place?" Lin Yue asked, her voice echoing within the cavern.

The Crane Immortal eyed the sphere with a flicker of excitement, quickly replaced by caution. "If I'm not mistaken, this should be the true location of the Divine Artifact. That sphere is likely the Artifact's core," he explained.

Shen Jingqi stepped forward, moving to examine the sphere more closely. Just as he was about to approach the platform, a beam of light shot from the sphere, striking him away.

"Shen Jingqi!" Lin Yue exclaimed in alarm again.

The Crane Immortal swiftly went to check Shen Jingqi's condition. "He's fine, just shaken by the Artifact's power. It seems this Artifact has a consciousness and won't let anyone approach easily," he said.

At that moment, a deep voice resonated around them: "Why have you trespassed upon this place?"

The three were startled, looking around but seeing no one. "Who's there? Who spoke?" Lin Yue asked fearfully.

The voice echoed again: "I am the Guardian Spirit of this Artifact. You have brought the Artifact here, what is your purpose?"

The Crane Immortal quickly said, "We mean no harm. We stumbled upon this Artifact by accident and were unaware of its secrets. We only wish to understand what is happening and find a way to leave."

The Guardian Spirit paused, then said, "Passing through the hidden barriers to arrive here indicates a connection between you and the Artifact. However, the Artifact requires a Guardian to protect its secrets. Earlier, you encountered the former Guardian, and now it has chosen one among you as the new Guardian."

The three exchanged uneasy glances, anxiety rising within them. "Who was chosen?" Lin Yue asked cautiously.

The Guardian Spirit said, "Crane Immortal, you have been chosen by the Artifact to become the new Guardian."