What lies beyond the bronze door?

"Teacher Yu?" Xiao Yang's voice echoed through the darkness, but no response greeted him.

"Teacher Yu?" He called out once more, his words dissipating into the void.

Growing increasingly anxious, Xiao Yang raised his voice again. "Yu Han!" This time, a faint reply reached his ears.

"Stop yelling! Leave the branch and come down. There's solid ground here; it's not an endless abyss," Yu Xuan's voice resonated from below, cutting through the silence like a beacon of reassurance.

A sigh of relief escaped Xiao Yang's lips as he finally relinquished his tight grasp on the branch. With a sense of trepidation mingled with anticipation, he let himself descend into the unknown depths below.

As he plummeted through the darkness, a rush of adrenaline coursed through his veins, heightening his senses to the world around him. With a swift and graceful movement, he landed on the ground below, his feet making contact with the solid earth with effortless ease.

Xiao Yang's gaze followed Yu Xuan's outstretched finger, his expression inscrutable as he took in the sight before him. "I never imagined there'd be a pathway here," Yu Xuan remarked, his voice tinged with awe as he gestured toward the narrow rocky passage that stretched out before them like a labyrinthine maze.

As they ventured deeper into the cavernous depths, Yu Xuan's attention was drawn to the peculiar murals adorning the walls, their intricate designs weaving tales of bygone eras. "These murals are quite peculiar," he observed, his fingers tracing the ancient depictions with a sense of reverence.

"They do seem rather unusual," Xiao Yang agreed quietly, his gaze lingering on the enigmatic images that adorned the cavern walls.

Yu Xuan's curiosity was piqued by the resemblance of the structures depicted in the murals to those of the academy above. "These buildings bear a striking resemblance to those of the academy," he remarked, his tone tinged with wonder as he examined the intricate details of the ancient artwork.

However, his fascination was interrupted by the discovery of muddy footprints scattered across the cavern floor. "But where do these footsteps lead?" Yu Xuan wondered aloud, his brow furrowing in confusion as he followed the trail with his gaze.

Turning to Xiao Yang, Yu Xuan sought to test his companion's knowledge. "Could these be the footprints of the Headless Ghost?" he inquired, feigning ignorance even though he knew well that the Headless Ghost possessed a spectral form, devoid of legs, and therefore incapable of leaving behind physical footprints.

Xiao Yang responded with a noncommittal "Maybe," eliciting a scoff from Yu Xuan, who turned away in frustration. Yet, Xiao Yang couldn't suppress a small smile at the realization that Yu Xuan was testing him.

"I understand you're testing me, Yu Xuan, but there are things I can't reveal just yet," Xiao Yang thought, his gaze steady as he met Yu Xuan's eyes.

"Let's move on," Yu Xuan urged, but Xiao Yang's grip tightened on his hand, halting their progress.

"Be cautious. We don't know what dangers lie ahead," Xiao Yang cautioned, his tone tinged with concern.

"Don't worry," Yu Xuan reassured him, his voice calm yet resolute. "I know you're apprehensive, but I'm here with you. I'll protect you."

With that, Yu Xuan took the lead, guiding Xiao Yang forward as they ventured further into the unknown depths of the cavern.

As Yu Xuan forged ahead, Xiao Yang trailed behind, his thoughts consumed by Yu Xuan's earlier words. "Protect me, you are absolutely just like him," echoed in Xiao Yang's mind, evoking a smile that tugged at the corners of his lips. Lost in reverie, Xiao Yang's smile widened until he was interrupted by Yu Xuan's inquiry.

Caught off guard, Xiao Yang quickly composed himself, his expression returning to its usual stoic facade. "It's nothing," he replied vaguely, his smile fading as he redirected his focus to their surroundings.

Yu Xuan's words about the potential significance of their discovery sparked a glimmer of excitement in Xiao Yang's eyes. "You might be right," he conceded, his tone thoughtful. "This could very well be a secret pathway used by the Elders of the academy. If we can locate the entrance, it could provide valuable insight into the academy's inner workings."

Yu Xuan scrutinized the footprints scattered across the ground, his brow furrowing in concentration. "These footprints don't resemble those of a demon like the Headless Demon," he remarked, gesturing towards the muddy impressions left behind. "They look distinctly human, suggesting that the entrance may be concealed in a muddy area. See how all these footprints are caked in mud? It's a clue."

"Perhaps it's hidden in the hills behind the academy," Yu Xuan mused aloud, his gaze drifting toward the distant horizon. "But if it were that easy to find, why would the Headless Demon lead us here?" Xiao Yang countered, his tone laced with skepticism as they continued their journey.

Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by Yu Xuan's sudden exclamation. "What's that?" he exclaimed, pointing ahead. Xiao Yang followed his gaze, his eyes alighting upon the object of Yu Xuan's interest. "It's a door," Xiao Yang observed, his voice tinged with anticipation. "Perhaps this door will lead us to the outside world."

Yu Xuan's mind raced with uncertainty as he pondered the ease with which they had stumbled upon the door. "Why is it so readily accessible?" he mused aloud, his brows knit in perplexity. His attention was drawn to the imposing bronze door ahead, its surface adorned with mysterious numbers. "Do you see them, Xiao Yang?" Yu Xuan inquired, seeking confirmation from his companion.

Xiao Yang nodded, and together they approached the door, their curiosity piqued by the enigmatic symbols before them. "Entering these numbers may grant us access to the outside," Xiao Yang suggested, his voice laced with anticipation.

"However, we must decipher the correct combination, or the door will remain sealed," Yu Xuan interjected, scanning their surroundings for any clues. Suddenly, his gaze fell upon something lying on the ground nearby. "Xiao Yang, come here," he called out, beckoning his companion to his side.

Barely discernible amidst the dirt and grime, Yu Xuan spotted faint markings etched into the ground. With a determined sweep of his hand, he cleared away the debris, revealing the inscription: '1980 - Zi Qian'. Alarm flashed across Yu Xuan's features as he realized the significance of the message. "Zi Qian was here," he muttered, his tone tinged with concern. "But why would he leave this behind?" he wondered aloud.

"Perhaps '1980' is the code," Yu Xuan speculated, his thoughts racing as he considered the implications. "Let me try entering these numbers," he suggested, eager to uncover the truth.

But before he could proceed, Xiao Yang intervened, blocking Yu Xuan's path with a firm stance. "No, something doesn't feel right," he cautioned, his expression grave.

Undeterred by Xiao Yang's warning, Yu Xuan attempted to push past him, his impatience getting the better of him. "We've found the entrance, and Zi Qian is nowhere to be found. This must be our way out," he insisted, his resolve unwavering.

"Why are you rushing into this?" Xiao Yang questioned, his voice laced with concern as he sought to dissuade Yu Xuan from his impulsive course of action.

Frustrated by Xiao Yang's hesitance, Yu Xuan brushed past him, determined to press on. "If you want to stay here, then stay. But I'm going back," he declared, his frustration evident in his voice as he punched in the code Zi Qian had left behind.

As the door creaked open before him, Yu Xuan wasted no time in darting inside, leaving Xiao Yang standing alone in the dimly lit corridor. Behind him, the pathway and the murals vanished from sight, leaving Xiao Yang to ponder the implications of their discovery.

"Something was amiss with those murals," Xiao Yang muttered to himself, his eyes widening in realization. With a sense of urgency, he hurried through the open door, determined to catch up with Yu Xuan.

"Teacher Yu Han!" Xiao Yang called out as he stepped through the doorway. But the moment he crossed the threshold, the door disappeared into thin air, leaving him bathed in a blinding cascade of light.