Chapter12
Boashan stood in a vast field, surrounded by 14 to 15-year-old children skilled in sword fighting, each paired with a partner.
She wore the same robes as Wei Ying, with a subtle difference - her inner robe was a deep, dark red, almost maroon, and the outer robe was a silvery black. Her hair appeared black at first glance, but upon closer inspection, silver strands were visible throughout. A dark brown ring adorned her left hand, its age unknown to all but her. Like Wei Ying, she had a dark silver flute tucked into her right waist. Her eyes, similar to Wei Ying's but lighter, sparkled with warmth as she saw the couple approach, their hands joined. She couldn't deny the joy she felt, having missed them since their wedding day.
As they drew near, she instructed the children to stop their training and disperse to other tasks.
Wei Ying rushed towards her, embracing her tightly. "Grandma, I miss you so much!" Boashan laughed, patting his back. When Lan Zhan arrived, she enveloped him in a warm hug as well. Wei Ying smiled at Lan Zhan, aware of his aversion to being touched by others, but Lan Zhan understood that Boashan's affection was genuine, even if she sometimes teased him playfully, as she was doing now, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Boashan's eyes twinkled with amusement as she said, "I see you're still inseparable." Wei Ying grinned, his eyes shining with happiness. "Of course, Grandma. We're newlyweds!"
Lan Zhan smiled, his eyes softening.
"Grandma, your training methods are as unorthodox as ever," Wei Ying teased, nodding towards the children dispersing in the distance.
Boashan chuckled, her black hair glinting in the sunlight. "Hey, it works! They learn to work together and trust each other. That's the key to true strength."
Wei Ying nodded enthusiastically, and Boashan's face softened. "I know the purpose of your visit is more than just missing me," she said, her voice warm with affection.
Wei Ying laughed. "That's true, Grandma!"
Boashan's gaze lingered on her grandsons, her heart swelling with pride. "Come, let's go to the Pavilion. I have a special task for you both." and you can talk while walking.
Intrigued, Wei Ying and Lan Zhan followed her, their hands still clasped together. The scent of blooming flowers and fresh grass filled the air, transporting them to a serene world.
Wei Ying asked, his voice filled with wonder, "Grandma, what does it mean to be immortal?"
Boashan smiled. "Immortality is a gift, but also a burden. You'll watch as loved ones grow old and pass on, while you remain young and vital."
Lan Zhan's brow furrowed. "But what about our bond? How will that change?"
Boashan's gaze turned serious. "Your bond will grow stronger with each passing day. You'll be able to communicate through your minds, teleport to wherever you want, and share each other's strength."
Wei Ying's eyes widened in awe. "That's amazing!"
Boashan's expression turned solemn.
"But with great power comes great responsibility.
When one of you is hurt, the other will feel it too. You'll be each other's weakness and strength."
Lan Zhan's eyes locked onto Wei Ying's. "We're ready for whatever comes our way, Grandma. We're in this together."
Boashan's face softened. "I know you are, my grandsons. And that's what makes your bond so powerful. You'll be the pillars of strength for each other, and for the world."
At the pavilion, Boashan revealed a mysterious box adorned with intricate symbols. "Solve this puzzle box together. It requires unity and trust."
Wei Ying's eyes sparkled with excitement, while Lan Zhan's gaze turned thoughtful. Together, they began to work on the box, their collaboration seamless and intuitive. As they progressed, the box emitted a soft glow, symbolizing their harmonious efforts. With a final click, the box opened, revealing a hidden compartment containing a map and a note addressed to them.
The note read: "Congratulations, my dear grandsons. Your unity and trust have unlocked the first step towards a greater destiny. Follow the map to the ancient forest, where a hidden temple awaits. There, you will discover a powerful artifact and face a challenge that will test your bond like never before."
Wei Ying's eyes shone with excitement as he gazed at Lan Zhan. "Let's do this, Zhan!"
Lan Zhan smiled, his eyes gleaming with determination. "Together, always."
Boashan's face radiated pride and love. "I know you both are ready for this. Go, and may your bond guide you through the trials ahead."
With the map in hand, Wei Ying and Lan Zhan set off towards the ancient forest, their hearts filled with anticipation and their spirits soaring with the knowledge that they faced this adventure together.
As they ventured into the ancient forest, the canopy overhead grew denser, casting dappled shadows on the ground.
The air thickened with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves. Wei Ying and Lan Zhan walked in tandem, their footsteps synchronized, their senses heightened.
The map led them to a hidden clearing, where a majestic temple emerged from the foliage. Vines and moss covered its walls, as if nature had claimed it as her own. The entrance, guarded by stone statues, beckoned them forward.
Wei Ying's eyes sparkled with wonder. "This is incredible!"
Lan Zhan's gaze was fixed on the temple. "Let's proceed with caution."
Wei Ying halt and wrapped his hand on Lan Zhan shoulder, Lan Zhan my love, i think it's better if you sent a massage to your Uncle, i don't know when we will be back. Grandma is off to something, and he kiss Lan Zhan cheek.
"Mn, Wei Ying is smart, " Lan Zhan sent the massage and lovingly kiss Wei Ying deep and long.
Together, they approached the entrance, their hands instinctively finding each other's. As they stepped inside, the temple came alive with a soft, ethereal glow.
Suddenly, a low hum filled the air, and the ground began to tremble. The statues outside came to life, their eyes blazing with an otherworldly energy.
The statues moved in unison, their movements fluid and graceful.
Wei Ying and Lan Zhan stood frozen, their hearts pounding in harmony. The hum grew louder, and the ground trembled more violently, as if the temple itself was awakening.
Suddenly, the statues parted, revealing a hidden chamber deep within the temple. A brilliant light emanated from within, illuminating the intricate carvings on the walls. The air was charged with an electric tension, as if the very fabric of reality was about to unfold.
Wei Ying's voice was barely audible, his eyes fixed on the chamber. "What lies within?"
Lan Zhan's gaze was equally transfixed. "Only one way to find out."
Together, they stepped forward, their hands still clasped, their hearts beating as one. As they entered the chamber, the light enveloped them, and the world around them dissolved into a swirling vortex of colors and energy.
The vortex swirled around them, a kaleidoscope of colors and patterns that defied comprehension.
Wei Ying and Lan Zhan felt themselves being pulled apart and put back together again, their molecules rearranging in a dance of quantum wonder.
When the vortex dissipated, they found themselves standing in a vast, empty space. The air was crisp and clean, with a hint of an otherworldly scent. Before them lay a pedestal, and on it rested a glowing artifact that pulsed with an energy that seemed to resonate with their very souls.
Wei Ying's eyes widened in awe. "The Celestial Sphere!"
Lan Zhan's gaze was equally reverent.
"The legendary artifact of unity and balance."
As they approached the pedestal, the Sphere began to glow brighter, its energy enveloping them in a warm embrace. Suddenly, visions flooded their minds, memories of ancient civilizations and long-forgotten wisdom.
The visions faded, leaving Wei Ying and Lan Zhan breathless and bewildered. They gazed at each other, their eyes locking in a deep understanding.
Wei Ying's voice was barely above a whisper. "We've been given a great responsibility, Zhan."
Lan Zhan's nod was almost imperceptible. "Together, we must use the Celestial Sphere's power to restore balance to the world."
Wei Ying laughed, then said, "I don't know what Grandma wants us to do, Lan Zhan, my love. Be careful and don't indulge too much. Maybe Grandma wants to test our skills and the strength of our bond." He shrugged his shoulders, "But I know we won't embarrass her, my love." Lan Zhan nodded and kissed Wei Ying's forehead.
As they spoke, the Sphere began to glow brighter, its energy coursing through them. They felt their bond strengthening, their hearts beating in perfect harmony.
Suddenly, the temple began to shake, and a voice boomed from above. "You have been chosen to wield the Sphere's power. Use it wisely, and remember, unity is the key to unlocking true strength."
The temple began to dissolve around them, and they found themselves back in the forest, the Celestial Sphere still clutched in their hands. They gazed at each other, their eyes shining with determination.