"It's time for us to prepare to return" Xiao Chong said in a low voice.
Zi Yan nodded, her eyes sparkling with the light of adventure.
"Alright."
The glow of the spatial passage gradually faded, and Xiao Chong and Zi Yan appeared in the midst of a forest.
Surrounded by lush greenery, the air was filled with a fresh, moist scent, as if even breathing could cleanse the soul.
Not far ahead of them, a crystal-clear spring bubbled joyfully, its droplets shimmering in the sunlight like pearls embedded in nature.
"We're finally back" Zi Yan exclaimed, her eyes brimming with curiosity and delight.
Xiao Chong smiled softly and replied "It seems we were right. We've finally found it. But how exactly will Luo Li appear?"
Before his words could settle, a strange ripple emerged from the center of the spring, and then a woman in a light blue dress slowly rose, as if born from the water.
The woman was none other than Luo Li. Her eyes were clear and bright, and when she looked at Xiao Chong and Zi Yan, a gentle smile curved her lips.
"Welcome to the Spirit Spring Forest, Xiao Chong, Zi Yan. Your arrival is earlier than I expected," Luo Li voice was melodious, carrying an indescribable charm.
Xiao Chong stepped forward and handed over the Water Heart Stone he had been clutching tightly. "Luo Li, this is the Water Heart Stone you requested. I have fulfilled our agreement."
Luo Li took the Water Heart Stone, gently caressing it, her eyes flashing with unconcealed joy.
"Very good, this is exactly what I need. Your commitment to your promise is admirable."
She tilted her head slightly, her gaze lingering on the spring, which seemed to sense its master's mood, its waters dancing even more exuberantly.
"As a reward, besides the treasures I promised, I have a special gift for you" Luo Li said softly, retrieving a pair of radiant bracelets from her sleeve and handing them to the pair.
"These are Water Amulets. They will enhance your sensitivity to water elements and provide protection in aquatic environments. May they aid you in your future journeys."
Xiao Chong took the Water Amulet, feeling the gentle flow of water elemental energy emanating from it. A warmth surged in his heart, and his eyes shone with gratitude.
"Luo Li, your generosity and power are deeply appreciated. This gift holds great significance for us."
Luo Li smiled faintly, a touch of tenderness in her eyes. "Xiao Chong, your determination and loyalty have also left a deep impression on me. Now, let us complete the final exchange."
As she spoke, she extended her hand, and a faint blue light appeared in her palm—a crystal-clear bead that seemed to contain the mysteries of the entire ocean: the Breath of Water.
"Take it, this is what you deserve" Luo Li flicked her finger lightly, and the Breath of Water transformed into a blue streak, landing steadily in Xiao Chong hand. The moment it touched his palm, a cool sensation spread through him, invigorating his spirit.
"Thank you!" Xiao Chong murmured excitedly, knowing full well what this bead meant for his mastery of water spells. It would be the key to breaking through his current limitations.
Xiao Chong tightened his grip on the Breath of Water, feeling the immense power it contained, and a surge of unprecedented determination welled up within him. He turned to Zi Yan, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Zi Yan, are you ready? Our next destination is the desert."
Zi Yan nodded gently, a faint smile playing on her lips, though her eyes held a steely resolve.
"As long as I'm with you, I fear no sandstorm." The two exchanged a smile, then bowed deeply to Luo Li, expressing their gratitude for her gift and guidance.
Luo Li stood in place, watching their figures recede into the distance until they disappeared beyond the horizon.
She murmured softly, "May the wind guide your path, and may the water protect your journey."
....
Above the desert, the yellow sand stretched endlessly, and the scorching sun baked the earth like a furnace. Xiao Chong and Zi Yan, cloaked in long robes and veils, revealing only their sharp eyes, trudged through the boundless sea of sand.
"This place is practically a living hell" Zi Yan complained, her tone light, though the fine beads of sweat on her forehead betrayed her exhaustion.
Xiao Chong pursed his lips and took out the Breath of Water from his chest, gently rotating it.
"With this, at least we don't have to worry about water." His voice was filled with confidence, as if the Breath of Water had granted him immense courage.
As they walked, a sudden gust of wind arose, and a sandstorm roared toward them like a ferocious beast.
Xiao Chong quickly conjured a water-based protective barrier, enveloping the two of them and shielding them from the flying sand.
Zi Yan was amazed by his swift reaction and praised.
"You've improved so much, Xiao Chong."
After the sandstorm passed, the two noticed strange patterns on the ground not far ahead, resembling ancient totems—the very symbols of the altar they had been seeking.
"It seems we've found it" Xiao Chong said, gazing ahead with a mix of anticipation and unease. As they approached, the ground trembled, and a colossal sandworm burst forth, its massive form blotting out the sky.
"The Guardian Sandworm…" Zi Yan murmured.
Xiao Chong then handed the "Soul of Leaves" and the "Breath of Water" to the statue of the Guardian Sandworm. The sandworm was visibly surprised, never expecting Xiao Chong and Zi Yan to return with these items so quickly.
The sandworm's massive jaws parted slightly, emitting a deep, resonant sound, like the tolling of an ancient bell echoing across the desolate land.
"The Radiance of Light—this is your final key, hidden within the illusion at the heart of the desert. There, time and space intertwine chaotically, a place where ordinary people cannot tread."
Xiao Chong's eyes narrowed with determination as he looked at Zi Yan.
"No matter how perilous it is, for the sake of our people's hope, we must obtain it."
Zi Yan smiled softly and tightened her grip on the short blade in her hand.
"Then let's set off. Nothing can stand in our way."
Guided by the sandworm, the two ventured deep into the heart of the desert. The sun blazed mercilessly, and the wind and sand cut like blades, yet their figures stood resolute amidst the chaos.
After several days of arduous trekking, the scenery before them suddenly transformed. A dazzling light rose from the horizon—the Heart of the Desert, the legendary entrance to the illusion.
"This is it" Xiao Chong said, stopping in his tracks and gazing at the surreal radiance, his eyes filled with both anticipation and a hint of apprehension.
Ziyan gently touched a grain of sand beside her, and it transformed into flowing water, only to solidify into ice in an instant.
"It seems we've stepped into the edge of the illusion," she remarked.
As they ventured into the illusion, the surrounding scenery changed rapidly—one moment it was an endless sea of flowers, the next it was towering snow-capped mountains. Time and space lost their meaning here. They treaded carefully, each step requiring caution to avoid getting lost in this eternal maze.
"What could the Radiance of Light we're searching for be?" Ziyan asked in confusion.
Xiao Chong shook his head. "I'm not sure either, but since it's a symbol of light, it might be a dazzling gem, or perhaps... an eternal, unextinguishable glow."