Strange Paths to Immortality

The cold, eerie wind from the swirling portal whipped through the chamber, tugging at the tattered clothes of the exhausted group. Su Nian tightened what remained of her cloak around her, her eyes fixed warily on the pulsating void. "Are we really going in there? We're in no state to face whatever's on the other side."​Zhang Chengying winced as he touched the bandage on his shoulder, the wound from the shadowwraith's claw still throbbing. "She's right, Jiuzhang. We should tend to our injuries first, or we'll be walking into a death trap."​Chen Jiuzhang stared into the portal, the crystal - key in his hand humming softly, as if drawn to the unknown. Images of a vast, glowing hall filled with ancient tomes and floating orbs flashed through his mind. "We don't have time. The longer we wait, the greater the risk that whatever balance we've restored will shift again. And I think... I think this is our only chance to find the true heart of the Gui Xu Secret Realm."​Shen Qingluan, who had been tending to Wu Laogou's unconscious form, looked up. "I'll stay here with Wu Laogou and Luna. They need care, and someone has to keep an eye on this side of the portal in case... in case something goes wrong."​Lyra pushed herself up from the wall, her broken staff in hand. Despite her ragged appearance, determination burned in her eyes. "I'll go. I've studied the ancient maps of this realm for decades. I might be able to make sense of whatever we find."​Su Nian and Zhang Chengying exchanged a long look, then nodded. With a deep breath, the four - person team - Chen Jiuzhang, Su Nian, Zhang Chengying, and Lyra - stepped through the portal.​A sensation of cold, liquid darkness washed over them. For a moment, it felt as if their bodies were being pulled in a thousand different directions. Then, they stumbled out onto a strange, floating platform. Below them, an endless abyss filled with swirling, multicolored mist stretched out. Above, the sky was a shifting tapestry of stars and nebulae, with no discernible sun or moon.​"Where... where are we?" Zhang Chengying whispered, his voice echoing strangely in the vast space.​Lyra's eyes widened as she took in the surroundings. "This... this is the Celestial Observatory. According to legend, it's where the ancient immortals monitored the balance of all realms. But I never thought it was real."​Before anyone could respond, a soft, chiming sound filled the air. From the mist below, a group of glowing, humanoid figures emerged. Their bodies were made of pure light, and they carried staffs that emitted a gentle, pulsating glow.​"Intruders," one of the figures said, its voice like the tinkling of crystal bells. "You have dared to enter the sacred grounds. Prepare to face judgment."​Chen Jiuzhang stepped forward, holding up the crystal - key. "We mean no harm. We're here to restore the balance of the Gui Xu Secret Realm. The key led us here."​The light - beings regarded the key with interest, their forms flickering slightly. "The key of the ancients... but its power is tainted. You must prove your worth before you can pass."​With that, the figures raised their staffs, and the platform began to shake violently. Streaks of energy shot towards the group, forcing them to scatter and defend themselves. As they fought, Chen Jiuzhang couldn't help but wonder what other trials awaited them in this strange, new world, and if they were truly strong enough to succeed.