Chapter 14 - The Realm of Shadows

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Slowly, the smoke cleared.

Xiao Zhan opened his eyes and looked around—

He was no longer in the library.

This place was strange…

The sky was pitch-black, the moon glowed blood-red 🌑🔴.

Broken chains and scattered candles lay on the ground.

The air was heavy and cold, as if every breath carried fear into the soul.

Xiao Zhan (whispering): "W–where are we?"

Yibo stood beside him, alert and tense.

Yibo (serious): "This is Lian's world… her Spirit Realm.

Here, she controls everything."

Suddenly, voices echoed from every direction.

Whispers… like a hundred souls crying at once.

Xiao Zhan covered his ears.

Xiao Zhan: "These voices… they'll drive me insane!"

Yibo quickly held his hand.

Yibo: "Listen, Zhan. No matter what happens, don't let go of my hand.

If we get separated… she'll trap us forever."

Just as he said that—

the ground shook ⚡.

Shadows formed around them—creatures with long claws and no faces.

Then, under the red moonlight, Lian appeared.

Her white dress looked more haunting than ever, her black hair floating unnaturally, her eyes gleaming.

Lian (smiling): "Welcome, Zhan. To my kingdom."

Xiao Zhan tried to back away, but the mist wrapped around his ankles.

Xiao Zhan: "Let me go! This world… this isn't mine!"

Lian slowly walked toward him.

Lian (softly): "But you are mine. And now… there is no return."

Yibo stepped in front of Xiao Zhan.

Yibo (furious): "No, Lian! I don't care how powerful you are—

I will save Zhan!"

Lian laughed bitterly.

Lian: "Very well, Yibo.

If you truly wish to save him…

then you must defeat me first."

The entire realm trembled, shadows screamed…

A battle was about to begin ⚔️👻

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