After absorbing the inheritance, the group took some time to rest and reorganize in the glowing hall. The ancient runes on the walls had dimmed, but the path ahead remained open. Wei Chen stood near the central pillar, studying the faint golden lines that now ran along his arms — a sign of the bloodline resonance still settling within him.
Tigress Yu walked up to him, arms crossed and a confident grin on her face. "You're looking stronger already. That inheritance suits you."
Wei Chen gave her a small smile. "It's useful, but it's only a piece. There's more waiting deeper in."
Zhao Yin stood nearby, quietly observing the runes on the walls. "This place feels like it was built to test bloodlines. The further we go, the stronger the trials might become."
Lan Qing, the former Sect Master of the Moonlit Frost Sect, stepped forward with a more serious expression. "If this legacy is tied to ancient powers, then the challenges ahead may not be simple guardians. My sect once studied old formations. I can help identify dangerous runes if you allow it."
Wei Chen nodded. "Your knowledge will be useful. We'll need every advantage."
Mei Yun, one of the new elders, was speaking with a few of the outer disciples, explaining how to better coordinate their ice techniques with the rest of the group. She glanced over at Wei Chen and gave a respectful nod when their eyes met.
Lin Xue stayed close to Wei Chen, her hand resting lightly on his arm as she checked the stability of his bloodline through their pact. Su Mei stood on his other side, quietly watching the path ahead.
After some discussion, Wei Chen addressed everyone.
"We move deeper soon," he said. "But we stay together. No one goes off alone. The energy in this place is getting stronger, and I don't want anyone caught off guard."
Tigress Yu cracked her knuckles. "Good. I was starting to get bored with just standing around."
Zhao Yin smirked. "Try not to charge in alone this time."
While the group prepared, Wei Chen walked over to where Elder Bai Xue was adjusting her robes. He placed a hand on her shoulder and gave it a light squeeze.
"You and the others fought well earlier," he said. "If anything feels off as we go deeper, speak up. We're a team now."
Bai Xue nodded quietly, a faint blush on her cheeks.
The group soon formed up and began moving down the next corridor. The golden runes on the walls grew brighter as they advanced, and the air started to feel heavier. After some time, they reached a wide stone bridge suspended over a deep chasm. Strange blue flames flickered below, and several floating platforms hovered in the air.
Wei Chen raised a hand, signaling everyone to stop.
"There's a formation here," he said. "It's reacting to us. We cross carefully. Lin Xue and Lan Qing, help stabilize the energy. Tigress Yu and Zhao Yin, take the front. The rest of you, stay in pairs and watch each other's backs."
As they began crossing, one of the floating platforms suddenly shifted, nearly throwing two of the new disciples off balance. Wei Chen quickly reached out and grabbed one of them by the arm, pulling her back to safety. He kept a steady hand on her shoulder for a moment longer than necessary.
"Stay close to someone stronger if you feel unsteady," he said. "No one gets left behind."
The group managed to cross the bridge without major issues. On the other side, they found another large chamber. This one had a massive sealed door covered in intricate golden patterns. The energy coming from behind it felt different — calmer, but incredibly dense.
Wei Chen placed his hand on the door and felt the bloodline resonance react strongly again.
"This is it," he said. "Whatever is behind this door is connected to the inheritance we received earlier. It might be the next piece… or something even more important."
He turned to look at the group, making sure to meet the eyes of both his original queens and the new ones.
"We rest here for a while and prepare. Once we open this door, there's no turning back easily."
Tigress Yu grinned. "Sounds like fun."
Lan Qing studied the door with a thoughtful expression. "The formations here are complex. We should be careful."
Wei Chen nodded. "We will be."
The group began settling down to rest and check their equipment. Some of the new disciples helped distribute water and simple healing pills, while the queens discussed possible strategies for what might lie ahead.
Wei Chen sat with Zhao Yin and Mei Yun, quietly going over possible threats they might face once the door opened. Every so often, he would reach out and lightly touch one of their shoulders or arms, a small but steady reminder that they were all in this together.
The ruins had already given them much, but the true test of the legacy was still waiting behind that sealed door.
To be Continued
© Kishtika., 2026
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Next Chapter: 143 - The Sealed Legacy
The group prepares to open the final sealed door in the ruins and face whatever lies beyond.