Chapter 3: The Hidden Passage

Prince Edward's exploration of the ancient castle, with its rich tapestries and hidden corners, had become a routine part of his daily life. The medieval world, with its complexities and enigmas, was beginning to feel strangely familiar. But little did he know that a remarkable discovery awaited him, one that would challenge his understanding of the castle's history and the extent of his own knowledge.

One quiet afternoon, as the sun bathed the castle's stone walls in a warm, golden hue, Edward embarked on yet another exploration. His steps echoed through the winding corridors as he ventured deeper into the heart of the castle. He had heard whispers of secret passages and hidden chambers, tales that had always intrigued him.

As he passed by the ornate chamber doors and intricately carved archways, he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and reverence for the history that surrounded him. The castle had stood for centuries, witnessing the rise and fall of kings and kingdoms, and Edward was determined to uncover its deepest secrets.

It was during his exploration that he stumbled upon an unexpected find. In his own bedchamber, tucked away beneath the heavy canopy bed, was a concealed trapdoor. The discovery sent a shiver of excitement down his spine. Could this be the entrance to one of the legendary secret passages he had heard about?

With cautious anticipation, Edward lifted the heavy trapdoor, revealing a narrow, winding passage below. It was clear that this route had not been used in years, for cobwebs and dust greeted him as he descended into the darkness. The air was musty, and the passageway, though cramped and congested, seemed to beckon him forward.

As he navigated the winding tunnel, he couldn't help but wonder about its purpose. Had it been used for clandestine meetings or as an escape route in times of peril? The medieval castle held its secrets close, and Edward was determined to unearth them.

After what felt like an eternity, Edward finally emerged into a chamber bathed in a soft, otherworldly light. The sight that greeted him left him in awe. At the center of the chamber stood a magnificent altar, adorned with intricate symbols and patterns that seemed to shimmer with an ethereal glow.

The altar was surrounded by towering bookshelves, each filled to the brim with ancient tomes and scrolls. The sheer volume of knowledge contained within the chamber was staggering, and Edward couldn't help but feel a sense of reverence for the scholars and seekers who had come before him.

He approached the altar slowly, his heart pounding with excitement. The symbols etched into its surface were unlike anything he had ever seen, and he couldn't help but wonder about their significance. Were they part of some forgotten ritual or a key to unlocking the secrets of the castle?

As he turned his attention to the books that lined the shelves, he was met with a revelation that left him both perplexed and intrigued. The titles and scripts of the books were unmistakably Chinese, a language that was as familiar to him as his own heartbeat. Yet, in this medieval European castle, the presence of Chinese texts seemed out of place.

Edward's mind raced with possibilities. How had these books come to be here? Who had been their custodian in this distant past? And what secrets did they hold? It was a puzzle that defied explanation, and Edward was determined to solve it.

His fingers traced the spines of the ancient volumes, his eyes scanning the intricate characters. The books contained knowledge of cultivation, alchemy, and mysticism, subjects that resonated deeply with his own quest for power and understanding. It was as if the castle itself had conspired to lead him to this hidden trove of wisdom.

As he continued to explore the chamber, Edward's inner monologue echoed with a sense of purpose. He knew that this discovery was no mere coincidence. It was a clue, a key that would unlock the mysteries of his rebirth and the true purpose of his presence in this foreign realm.

But as he delved deeper into the labyrinthine library, his fingers brushing the spines of countless books, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was on the cusp of something tremendous. The castle had yielded its first secret, but what other enigmas lay hidden in its ancient halls? And how would this newfound knowledge shape his destiny in the medieval world?

With these questions swirling in his mind, Prince Edward of England, the reincarnated Zhang Wei, stood on the precipice of a revelation that would change the course of his journey forever.

He carefully selected one of the scrolls from the shelf, unrolling it to reveal intricate diagrams and characters that danced across the parchment. His knowledge of Chinese characters served him well as he deciphered the ancient text. It spoke of alchemy, of transmutation, and of the quest for immortality.

As he read, Edward's heart quickened with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. The scrolls contained knowledge that transcended the boundaries of time and space. They held the secrets of cultivation, the very path he had embarked upon since his rebirth. It was as though the castle itself had