The air grew colder as the door splintered, shadows seeping through the cracks like living smoke. Xu Wang’s heart raced as the whispers grew louder, echoing within his mind.

  “Join us... join us...”

  Li Wang shuddered, her eyes wide with fear. “They’re... they’re in my head.” Her voice trembled, hands clutching her head as if trying to silence the whispers.

  Mei Ling’s expression hardened, her stance firm. “They’re using fear to weaken us. Don’t listen. Focus on what’s real.” Her fingers danced in the air, glowing strands of qi weaving around her. “We end this now.”

  Xu Wang gritted his teeth, his own qi fring to life, golden light enveloping his body. “Li, stay close. Mei Ling, with me.”

  The door burst open, shadows flooding into the room, their hollow eyes gleaming with hunger. They moved unnaturally, limbs twisting and bending at impossible angles. Their mouths stretched wide, revealing jagged teeth.

  Xu Wang’s Anahata Qi Technique surged, light radiating from his chest. The golden aura repelled the shadows, their forms flickering as they hissed in pain. “They’re weak against light!” he shouted, pushing forward.

  Mei Ling’s qi shot through the air like arrows of silver light, piercing the shadows and dispersing them into wisps of smoke. “Keep the pressure on!” she commanded, her voice steady and unwavering.

  Li Wang’s eyes flickered with determination, her own qi swirling around her. But as she tried to attack, the shadows recoiled, whispering her name. “Li... join us...”

  She faltered, shadows reaching for her, their voices echoing in her mind. “Xu... help me!”

  Xu Wang’s eyes widened. “Li!” He lunged forward, his golden aura fring as he grabbed her arm, pulling her away from the shadows’ grasp. “Focus on me. Don’t listen to them!”

  Her gaze locked with his, the shadows’ whispers fading as his light enveloped her. She took a deep breath, steadying herself. “I... I’m okay. Let’s end this.”

  Together, they unleashed their qi, light and power surging through the room. The shadows screeched, their forms unraveling, vanishing into nothingness. Silence fell, broken only by their ragged breathing.

  Mei Ling wiped sweat from her brow, her eyes scanning the room. “That’s the st of them. But what were those things?”

  Before anyone could answer, footsteps echoed in the hallway. An elderly monk appeared, his robes flowing like mist, his eyes serene and untroubled. “You fought well, travelers.” His voice was calm, carrying an ancient wisdom.

  Xu Wang’s guard remained up. “Who are you?”

  The monk’s lips curved into a faint smile. “I am but a guide. Those shadows were born from fear and despair. This vilge has long suffered under their curse.”

  Mei Ling’s eyes narrowed. “And you did nothing to stop it?”

  The monk’s gaze grew distant. “My duty lies not in battle but in guiding those who seek the truth. And I believe you seek the Temple of Sahasrara.”

  Xu Wang’s eyes widened. “You know of it?”

  The monk nodded. “I am its guardian. Come. I will lead you there.” He turned, his movements fluid, almost ethereal. “There is much you must learn.”

  The journey was silent, the forest dense and winding. Branches creaked overhead, shadows lurking just beyond the path. Yet the monk walked with unwavering purpose, his presence dispelling the darkness.

  They reached the base of a mountain, where ancient stone steps spiraled upward, disappearing into the mist. At the summit stood the Temple of Sahasrara, its towering pilrs carved with intricate symbols, glowing faintly with a mystical energy.

  Xu Wang felt a pulse of power, his chest tightening. “This pce... it’s alive.”

  The monk’s eyes twinkled. “It is the gateway to enlightenment. The Sahasrara God once descended here, bestowing upon humanity the Sahasrara Qi Technique—the power of the Crown Chakra.”

  Li Wang’s eyes widened. “The Crown Chakra... the highest form of Qi.”

  Mei Ling’s expression softened, awe flickering in her gaze. “They say it grants wisdom beyond human comprehension. The ability to see the truth of all things.”

  The monk’s voice grew solemn. “Indeed. It multiplies the mind’s potential, expanding thought and perception. It is said that those who master it can see beyond time and space, becoming one with the universe itself.”

  Xu Wang felt a shiver run down his spine. “And those shadows... were they connected to this pce?”

  The monk’s face darkened. “Yes. The power of Sahasrara Qi can illuminate the mind... but it can also cast deep shadows. Those who failed to master it became consumed by their fears, their souls trapped as shadows, forever wandering.”

  Li Wang looked down, her shoulders tense. “That’s... horrible.”

  Mei Ling’s eyes flickered with understanding. “So the vilgers’ fear gave them strength.”

  The monk nodded. “Fear is the darkness within all hearts. Only those who face it can awaken the true power of Sahasrara.” He gestured toward the temple entrance. “Come. The God awaits.”

  They entered the temple, its vast hall echoing with their footsteps. At the far end stood an enormous statue of the Sahasrara God, its seven faces serene, eyes closed in meditation. A halo of light surrounded its head, shimmering with divine energy.

  The monk’s voice echoed through the chamber. “This is the one who gave humanity the Sahasrara Qi Technique. Through it, mankind evolved, their minds expanding beyond mortal limits.” He turned to Xu Wang, his gaze piercing. “You seek this power, do you not?”

  Xu Wang’s fists tightened. “If it can help me protect Li... if it can help me survive this prophecy... then yes.”

  Li Wang’s eyes softened, guilt flickering within them. Mei Ling watched in silence, her expression unreadable.

  The monk gestured to the base of the statue. “Then sit. Meditate before the God. Let your mind expand, and face your inner darkness.”

  They obeyed, sitting cross-legged before the massive statue. The air grew cold, a hum of energy resonating within the chamber. Xu Wang closed his eyes, focusing on his breath.

  A sudden pulse of pain shot through his head. His Ajna Qi Technique activated on its own, his third eye glowing bright purple. Light poured from his forehead, illuminating the chamber.

  Li Wang gasped. “Xu! Your eyes... they’re glowing!”

  Mei Ling reached out. “Xu Wang! Stay with us!”

  But the light consumed him, his consciousness spiraling away. He heard Li’s voice calling his name, then... silence.

  He opened his eyes to find himself standing atop a snow-covered mountain, the cold wind biting at his skin. The world was a desote white, the sky a pale gray.

  Ahead, an old man stood, his long silver hair flowing in the wind, eyes ancient and knowing. His presence radiated power, his aura vast and unending.

  The man’s lips curled into a smile. “So... you’ve finally come.”

  Xu Wang’s heart pounded. “Who... who are you?”

  The man’s eyes gleamed. “The one who will guide you to your destiny.”

  To be continued.......