Bab 23: Chapter 22: Shadows of Xianzhou
The air in Xianzhou was thick with an otherworldly tension, as if the very essence of the realm was holding its breath. Deep within the heart of the city, concealed from the prying eyes of mortals, lay a hidden chamber of darkened splendor. This was a place out of legend, where reality seemed to warp and twist, a fusion of ancient mystique and malevolent intent.
The chamber was adorned with intricate symbols and runes, glowing faintly with an ominous purple hue. Dragon-shaped lanterns hung from the ceiling, their light casting flickering shadows that danced on the walls. These shadows twisted and contorted, as if alive, and the air crackled with an eerie energy. The floor was covered in rich black silk that shimmered like water under the dim light, and the scent of incense mingled with the metallic tang of anticipation.
In the center of this dark sanctum stood five men, each cloaked in flowing garments of deepest night. The leader, Ma Liang, was a tall figure with eyes as cold as polished obsidian and a face hidden behind an ornate silver mask. His presence commanded respect and fear, his gaze sharp and calculating. Beside him was Chen Yi, a stocky man with a broad, scarred face and an aura of brute strength. His fingers drummed impatiently on the hilt of a dark blade. To his right stood Lin Tao, a gaunt figure whose pale skin contrasted starkly with his black robes, his eyes narrowing with malice. On the far side was Xu Fei, who exuded a malevolent calm, his fingers deftly arranging mysterious talismans. Finally, there was Zhou Lei, a shadowy presence with a cruel smile that seemed to revel in the unfolding scheme.
Ma Liang's voice broke the silence, each word dripping with disdain. "Surya is back in town," he said, his tone cold and dismissive. "I had hoped the Buddha would stay out of our affairs, but it seems fate has a different plan."
Chen Yi grunted in agreement, his eyes flickering with dark amusement. "And he's brought companions with him. The siblings, Mei Lin and Li Wei. They carry the bloodline of saints."
Lin Tao, his voice like a whisper in the wind, added, "The bloodline of saints. Mei Lin and Li Wei are direct descendants of ancient heroes, their blood infused with the divine essence of old. Such bloodlines are rare and powerful, revered in the old texts."
Xu Fei nodded, his eyes glowing with an unholy light. "Surya must be aware of this, which is why he took them in. He knows the danger of having such a bloodline roaming free. The saints of bloodline possess powers beyond ordinary mortals, their very existence a threat to those who seek control."
Zhou Lei's smile widened, revealing a row of sharp teeth. "If not just about revenge. The boss will reward us handsomely for delivering the girl and eliminating Surya. This will not only secure our place but also bring us closer to our ultimate goal."
Ma Liang's eyes gleamed with malicious intent. "We will abduct Mei Lin and make an example of Surya. The Queen's resurrection is within our grasp, and the power we gain will solidify our dominion. The boss has promised a grand reward, but first, we must deal with these interlopers."
The men gathered around a large map spread across the table, their fingers tracing routes and strategies. They spoke of their plans with grim satisfaction, their voices blending into a cacophony of sinister promises and dark ambitions.
Meanwhile, in the quiet confines of the inn, Mei Lin awoke with a start. Her face was pale, her breathing rapid and shallow. She had been tormented by a nightmare, a vision of Surya lying lifeless amidst a swirl of dark, twisting shadows. The dream had been filled with a palpable sense of dread and foreboding.
She sat up, her heart pounding as she glanced around the dimly lit room. Li Wei and Surya, who had been resting nearby, noticed her distress and approached with concern.
"What's wrong, Mei Lin?" Li Wei asked, his voice gentle but filled with worry.
Mei Lin's eyes were wide with fear. "I had a terrible nightmare," she said, her voice trembling. "Surya… you were dead. There was something dark and monstrous that took you. It felt so real."
Surya, sensing her fear, placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Nightmares are often reflections of our deepest fears," he said, his tone calm and reassuring. "But they do not always signify reality. However, your premonition is worth noting."
Li Wei looked at Mei Lin with concern. "Do you think it was more than just a dream? Could it be a warning?"
Mei Lin nodded slowly, her expression troubled. "I don't know. It felt like a sign, something ominous. We should be cautious. I feel like something bad is coming."
Surya's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "We will be vigilant. Sometimes, dreams carry truths that we need to heed. For now, rest assured that we will face whatever comes with strength and unity."
As the conversation continued, the weight of Mei Lin's premonition hung heavy in the room, a dark omen of the trials yet to come. Unbeknownst to them, the shadows outside were already plotting, weaving a web of deceit and danger that would soon ensnare them all.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone