The air in the Tianxu Realm grew heavy with anticipation. Zhen Ruhan sat cross-legged atop a floating stone platform, the aftermath of his battle with the Fractured One still fresh in his mind. The encounter had left him with more questions than answers, and a lingering sense of unease.
He opened his eyes, the system interface blinking softly before him.
> *New Quest Unlocked: Investigate the Fractured Seeds*
> — Objective: Uncover the origins of the Fractured Ones
> — Reward: Temporal Insight Skill Scroll
> — Risk: High
Ruhan exhaled slowly. "No rest for the weary," he muttered.
*The Library of Time*
Guided by Mei Lin, Ruhan arrived at the Library of Time, a colossal structure suspended in a temporal bubble. Its walls shimmered with cascading glyphs, and the entrance pulsed with ancient energy.
Inside, rows of floating tomes and scrolls drifted through the air, each containing knowledge from different timelines. A spectral librarian, cloaked in shifting hues, greeted them.
"Seeker of truths," the librarian intoned, "what knowledge do you seek?"
Ruhan stepped forward. "The Fractured Ones. I need to understand what they are."
The librarian's form flickered. "Dangerous knowledge. But the seed within you grants access."
A tome floated toward Ruhan, its cover inscribed with a broken hourglass.
> *Tome Acquired: The Fractured Legacy*
As he opened it, visions flooded his mind.
*Visions of the Past*
He saw a time when the Chrono Dao was untainted, a path pursued by many. Among them were prodigies, each bearing a seed of time. But ambition led some to tamper with forbidden techniques, attempting to accelerate their mastery.
The result: their seeds cracked, their minds shattered. They became the Fractured Ones, lost in the currents of time, neither alive nor dead.
Ruhan staggered back, the vision fading.
"They were like me," he whispered. "But they fell."
Mei Lin nodded solemnly. "The Chrono Dao tests not just power, but resolve."
*A New Threat*
Suddenly, the library trembled. Alarms echoed as temporal distortions rippled through the air.
The librarian's voice boomed, "Intrusion detected. A Fractured One approaches."
Ruhan's heart raced. "Here? Now?"
Mei Lin drew her blade. "Prepare yourself."
*Battle in the Library*
The Fractured One materialized, its form glitching between moments. It lunged at Ruhan, who activated *Temporal Clone*, creating a duplicate to intercept the attack.
The clone engaged the Fractured One, buying Ruhan time to analyze its movements. He noticed a pattern a slight delay before each phase shift.
"Now!" he shouted, launching a *Chrono Pulse* at the precise moment the Fractured One stabilized.
The attack struck true, causing the entity to wail in distorted agony before dissipating into fragments.
> *Battle Complete*
> — Experience Gained: 5000
> — Item Acquired: Fractured Core Shard
Ruhan picked up the shard, its surface swirling with chaotic energy.
*Aftermath*
Back outside, Ruhan examined the shard.
> *Item: Fractured Core Shard*
> — Description: A remnant of a fallen Chrono cultivator. Holds insights into the dangers of the Chrono Dao.
Mei Lin approached. "Each battle brings you closer to understanding. But be wary—the path ahead is fraught with peril."
Ruhan nodded, determination in his eyes. "I won't end up like them."
*End of Chapter 6*