The two of them arrived at the location of a spiritual spring.
The surface of the spring suddenly rippled with delicate waves, as if nature's finest brush was painting subtle patterns on the mirror-like water.
As the ripples expanded, a figure gradually coalesced from the water, as if pulled from the depths by an invisible force, eventually taking the form of a woman dressed in an emerald-green gown.
Her hair gently clung to her shoulders and back, resembling delicate waterweed, and her eyes were deep and bright, as if they contained the wisdom and gentleness of the entire spiritual spring.
"I am Luo Li, the guardian of this ancient spiritual spring," the woman voice was clear and melodious, like the tinkling of spring water, bringing a sense of tranquility. She stepped lightly across the water, seemingly defying gravity, and walked towards Xiao Chong and Zi Yan with a gentle smile on her face.
Xiao Chong and Zi Yan involuntarily took a step back, their hearts filled with astonishment. The Luo Li before them exuded an indescribable aura of peace, making them feel an inexplicable sense of closeness.
"The 'Breath of Water,' which appears once every thousand years, is formed from the natural essence deep within the spiritual spring. It possesses the power to purify all things and nurture life," Luo Li gaze slowly moved between the two, as if she could see into their hearts.
"The fact that you two have discovered its existence must mean you have an extraordinary destiny."
Zi Yan bit her lower lip, her eyes flickering with curiosity and anticipation.
"Miss Luo Li, you said the 'Breath of Water' is a once-in-a-millennium opportunity. How can we obtain it? We truly have an urgent need for it."
Luo Li smiled softly, her fingers lightly tapping the water surface, causing ripples to spread out in response: "Obtaining the 'Breath of Water' is no easy task. You must pass three trials set by my spiritual spring. Each trial is a test of your character, wisdom, and strength. Only by truly understanding the essence of water can you touch the core of its purest and most pristine power."
Xiao Chong straightened his back, his eyes resolute.
"Please tell us the contents of the trials. No matter how difficult they are, we will give it our all."
Luo Li nodded in satisfaction
"The first trial is one of the heart. You must sit by this spiritual spring for three days and three nights, without a single distracting thought in your mind. Only those with a pure heart can sense the subtle changes in the water element."
Zi Yan frowned slightly, seemingly hesitant, but her eyes soon grew determined.
"Since it's for the sake of obtaining the 'Breath of Water,' we are willing to accept the challenge."
....
As the sun rose and the moon set, and the stars shifted in the sky, the two sat by the spiritual spring, time seemingly frozen in that moment. The noise of the outside world seemed to fade away, leaving only the silent dialogue between their hearts and nature, quietly blossoming within them.
Finally, when the first rays of morning light once again touched the water's surface, Luo Li spoke softly.
"You have passed the trial of the heart. Next is the test of wisdom. In the Misty Forest ahead, I have hidden a Water Heart Stone. You must find it within three days and bring it back here."
Xiao Chong and Zi Yan exchanged a glance, and without a word, they immediately stepped into the Misty Forest.
The moment they entered the Misty Forest, the surrounding light dimmed abruptly, as if veiled by an invisible curtain.Amidst the swirling mist, towering trees with interwoven branches formed natural barriers, completely isolating the outside world.
Luo Li voice still seemed to echo in their ears, but her figure had vanished, leaving only faint, flickering lights dancing among the leaves, guiding their way.
"This Misty Forest is even more mysterious than I imagined," Zi Yan whispered, her violet eyes glimmering with curiosity and vigilance under the dim light.
Xiao Chong gaze was resolute.
"No matter the difficulties, we won't retreat. Let's go, Zi Yan. The test of wisdom awaits us."
The two walked side by side, the sound of dry leaves and twigs crunching beneath their feet, echoing clearly in the silent forest. Occasionally, the low growls of unknown beasts could be heard through the mist, adding an air of unknown danger.
"Look over there!" Zi Yan suddenly pointed to the right, where a path surrounded by strange flowers was faintly visible. The flowers emitted a soft glow, resembling stars in the mist.
"This path might be the one we're looking for."
They cautiously ventured deeper along the path, each step filled with caution. Suddenly, a deep, ancient voice resonated in their minds.
"Travelers, answer my riddle, and you may proceed—what weapon can both harm and heal?"
Zi Yan frowned slightly, then smiled.
"It's knowledge. Knowledge can enlighten the mind, but it can also be a weapon of attack."
As she answered, the surrounding mist seemed to thin, and the path became clearer.
Xiao Chong couldn't help but admire, "Zi Yan, your wisdom always brings us surprises."
They continued forward, encountering several similar riddles along the way. Each time, whether through Zi Yan wit or Xiao Chong strength, they cleverly overcame the challenges. However, the true test still lay ahead.
"We've reached the heart of the forest. The Water Heart Stone should be nearby," Xiao Chong said, scanning their surroundings. Amid the dense trees, everything seemed calm, yet it held endless possibilities.
Xiao Chong and Zi Yan's footsteps moved slowly under the dense shadows of the trees, each step seemingly in sync with the ancient forest's heartbeat.
Sunlight filtered through the thick foliage, casting dappled patterns on the ground, adding an air of mystery to the tranquil world.
"Zi Yan, have you sensed the location of the Water Heart Stone?" Xiao Chong asked in a low voice, a hint of tension barely detectable.
Zi Yan closed her eyes, her hands gently clasped together as if capturing some faint signal in the air.
"It's very close, right at the center of this area," she said, opening her eyes, her gaze filled with determination and anticipation.
"But the natural energy here is unusually active. We must be careful."
Before she could finish, the ground suddenly trembled, as if some colossal creature was awakening deep beneath the earth.
The two quickly separated, alertly scanning their surroundings.
Moments later, from the cracked ground, several massive, dark green geckos emerged. Their eyes reflected an eerie light in the sunlight, their sharp teeth and claws aimed directly at the two.
"Step back!" Xiao Chong shouted in a deep voice, his figure suddenly darting forward like a silver lightning bolt, charging straight toward the foremost giant gecko.
His movements were as swift as a ghost, and in his hand appeared a gleaming long sword, its tip lightly piercing the gecko's vital spot with precision, killing it instantly. The gecko massive body collapsed to the ground with a loud thud, sending dust flying into the air.
"Xiao Chong, be careful!" Zi Yan's voice was filled with urgency.
She waved her staff, and as the incantation left her lips, the air condensed into tiny ice crystals, shooting toward the remaining geckos and freezing them in place, rendering them immobile.