35 The Trial of Intertwined Fates

The dim, bluish crystals cast a faint glow throughout the cavern, illuminating its ancient, rune-carved walls. Shen Yuchen tightened his grip on his sword, cold sweat dripping from his temple as he cautiously scanned the dark depths ahead.

Beside him, the woman in white steadied her breath, her expression tinged with determination and solemnity.

"What were those shadowy figures? You know more than you're letting on, don't you?" Shen Yuchen's voice was low, tinged with suspicion.

The woman nodded slowly, her voice as soft as flowing water: "They are the Echoes of the Forgotten — remnants of hatred and unresolved desires buried deep within one's memory. Everyone has shadows they refuse to face... and those beings are fate's warning to you."

Shen Yuchen let out a bitter chuckle. "Warning? If this is fate's warning, it's more cruel than I imagined."

The woman's gaze remained steady, unreadable. "Have you not realized it yet? Fate never intended for you to leave here easily."

The Real World - Hidden Sanctuary

Su Wanning advanced cautiously through the icy cavern, Lin Xinyi walking silently beside her. Though she still harbored suspicion toward Lin Xinyi, the dire situation forced them into an uneasy alliance.

"Do you truly believe he'll come back?" Su Wanning stopped abruptly, her voice sharp with doubt.

Lin Xinyi's fingers gently brushed the ancient pendant she held, its surface etched with intricate symbols.

"He will return," she whispered with unwavering conviction, "Even if he's lost all his memories... even if fate itself tries to keep him away... he'll find his way back."

Su Wanning frowned. "What exactly... do you feel for him?"

Lin Xinyi's eyes softened momentarily before she closed them, recalling something buried deep within her heart.

"Regret... protection... and a promise left unfulfilled." Her voice was almost inaudible, tinged with melancholy.

Realm of Fate's Trial

Shen Yuchen took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay composed. His fingers brushed against the runes carved into the cavern's walls, sensing the powerful, ancient energy thrumming beneath them. The symbols pulsed warmly, as though responding to his touch.

"What is this place?" he asked.

The woman stepped forward and gently waved her hand. The crystal lights converged, forming a shimmering screen that displayed a vast, ancient city in ruins. Its shattered walls and crumbling towers radiated a desolate, haunting beauty.

"This is the End of Fate," the woman explained softly. "A world that once existed but has long been erased from time — a place where fate's forgotten fragments remain."

Shen Yuchen stared at the ghostly city, a strange sense of familiarity rising within him.

"Why did you bring me here?" His tone grew more urgent.

The woman hesitated, resting her hand over her heart, as though recalling a distant memory.

"Because your destiny is deeply tied to this place," she murmured. "Buried here are all that you've lost... including your true identity and power."

Shen Yuchen stiffened, his mind spinning with half-forgotten memories and echoes calling from deep within his soul.

"If this is fate… how do I break free from it?" He clenched his fists, determination flashing in his eyes.

The woman turned, her gaze piercing and resolute. "The only way to defy fate... is to face the truest version of yourself."

Memories Resurrected

With a wave of her hand, the spectral screen changed. It showed a lone figure standing amidst burning ruins — a young man clad in battle-worn armor, wielding a sword engulfed in blazing white flames. Blood-soaked but unyielding, he faced an army of shadows with fierce defiance.

"That... that's me?" Shen Yuchen's eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at the familiar yet distant figure.

The woman nodded slowly, sorrow clouding her eyes. "That was the you from long ago... the last hope standing against the darkness, defying fate... until you were erased."

Shen Yuchen felt a sharp pang in his chest as fragmented memories of war, fire, and sworn promises surged through his mind like a violent tide.

"So... I died?" His voice was hoarse, almost a whisper.

The woman shook her head gently. "You never truly died... you were simply... forgotten."

Fate's Crossroads

Suddenly, the air grew deathly cold, and a deep, guttural growl echoed from the cavern's depths — something monstrous was drawing near.

"They're coming..." the woman's face turned grim.

Shen Yuchen tightened his grip on his sword, the fire of resolve blazing anew in his eyes. "No matter what happened before... I won't run anymore!"

The woman held his gaze for a long moment before nodding slowly. "Let your promise... never be forgotten."

A blinding surge of light erupted from the runes, enveloping them both as the echoes of fate thundered through the cavern, resonating deep into the unknown.