Digging

Tang Wei, Prince Jin, and their friends gathered around the table strewn with maps, scrolls, and ancient tomes, the weight of the previous night's events hanging heavy in the air. The flickering torches cast dancing shadows across the library walls, adding an eerie ambiance to their discussion.

With her innate curiosity and determination, Tang Wei traced her finger along the faded lines of a map, her brow furrowed in concentration. "We need to find out more about this new power that attacked me," she said, her voice tinged with determination. "And to do that, we'll need to seek out someone who has knowledge of the darker corners of the realms."

Prince Jin nodded in agreement, his eyes reflecting the resolve that ran deep within him. "But who could possess such knowledge?" he mused aloud, his gaze scanning the shelves of the library for any clues. Lin Yi, always the voice of reason and wisdom, spoke up from where she was pouring over a dusty tome. "Perhaps there is someone among the scholars and sages of the immortal realms who can shed light on this matter," she suggested, her voice thoughtful. "Maybe there are ancient prophecies or forgotten texts that hold the answers we seek."

Xiao Song, eager for adventure and discovery, chimed in with her own suggestion. "Or maybe there's a hidden repository of ancient knowledge hidden away in the depths of the realms," she said, her eyes shining with excitement. "A place untouched by time, where secrets are kept safe from prying eyes."

Tang Wei considered their options, her mind racing with possibilities. "We'll need to gather as much information as we can before we can make a decision," she said finally, her voice firm. "And to do that, we'll need to venture out into the realms and seek out those who can help us." Prince Jin nodded in agreement, his expression thoughtful. "Indeed, but we must tread carefully," he cautioned. "For not all knowledge comes without a price."

Prince Jin, followed by Tang Wei and her friends, entered the throne room, their footsteps echoing softly against the polished marble floors. The Beast King sat upon his throne, a regal figure exuding an aura of quiet authority. His keen eyes regarded them with a mixture of curiosity and concern as they approached, acknowledging their presence with a subtle nod.

"Your Majesty," Tang Wei began, bowing respectfully before the throne, her voice steady despite the flutter of nerves in her stomach. "We come before you seeking your guidance and assistance regarding the attack on me yesterday."

The Beast King inclined his head, acknowledging her words with a solemn expression. "Yes," he said, his voice deep and resonant. "The attack on you and the emergence of this new power have not gone unnoticed. I have also sent more men to investigate." Tang Wei met the King's gaze. "We seek your wisdom and guidance in uncovering the reasons behind my attack," she explained, her voice carrying the weight of their collective determination.

He gestured for them to approach, his massive form radiating an aura of quiet strength. "Firstly, you must understand that the source of this new power may lie hidden in the darkest corners of the realms," he explained, his voice carrying the weight of his experience. "There are beings, ancient and forgotten, who dwell in the shadows, their knowledge and secrets beyond the reach of time." Tang Wei listened intently, her mind racing with possibilities. "How can we hope to uncover such secrets?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.

The Beast King regarded her with a knowing look. "Patience and perseverance will be your greatest allies," he replied. "Seek out those who dwell on the fringes of society, those who have long been forgotten by the annals of history. They may hold the key to unlocking the mysteries you seek. I wish I could provide you with more help, but even I do not know what I am up against. I only know what Immortal Lotus knows, for now."

Prince Jin rose. The Beast King's words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of uncertainty and possibility. Tang Wei and her friends exchanged glances, their minds racing with the implications of his guidance. "We will do as you suggest, Father," Prince Jin said, his voice firm with resolve. "We will seek out those who dwell in the shadows and uncover the truth behind this new power. Please allow me to take Huo Feng with me while I help Tang Wei get to the bottom of this." The Beast King nodded. "Prepare as you see fit."

With determined strides, Tang Wei set about gathering her belongings, ensuring she had everything she brought to the Beast Realm for the road ahead. A cloak to ward off the chill of the night, a satchel filled with provisions and money, and a small dagger, gleaming in the dim light, silently promising protection—a gift from Immortal Lotus before her departure from the Celestial Gardens.

As she packed, her mind raced with thoughts of the challenges that lay ahead. The Beast King's words echoed in her ears, a reminder of the dangers awaiting her beyond the safety of the palace walls. Despite the uncertainty gnawing at her heart, Tang Wei refused to waver in her resolve.

With her preparations complete and a steadying breath, she extinguished the candles in her chamber. With her friends in tow, she made her way out into the night, her footsteps echoing softly against the coarse earth. The journey ahead would be long and perilous, but she knew she couldn't turn back now. With her friends by her side and the Beast King's guidance to light their way, they would face whatever challenges the realms had in store for them, together.