Chapter 35: The Forbidden Triad

Wu Xian City bustled with activity. Everywhere Li Yang looked, there were stalls selling unique wares, children running through the streets, and tales of great adventures being shared amongst groups of people. However, one particular topic seemed to be on everyone's lips – the Three Forbidden Zones. Curiosity piqued, Li Yang decided to dig deeper.

He approached an old sage, with a long white beard and ancient eyes, who was regaling a group of youngsters with tales of old. Li Yang waited patiently, and when the sage finished, he inquired about the Forbidden Zones.

The sage, looking deep into Li Yang's eyes, began, "Ah, the Three Forbidden Zones – the Demon City, the Abyss, and the Flame Mountain. Each one unique, each one deadly. Allow me to share their tales."

1. The Demon City

Hidden amidst a constantly shifting labyrinth of dark alleys and high walls, the Demon City is home to the most dangerous and cunning of demons. Those who venture in, seldom come out. The city adapts to the fears of those who enter, creating personalized nightmares and trapping souls within its confines. But it's not just the environment that's treacherous. The demons residing here have formed their own hierarchy, with the Demon Lord reigning supreme. Rumor has it that deep within the heart of the Demon City lies a treasure of unimaginable power, guarded by the Demon Lord himself. However, its allure has been the downfall of many adventurers who dared to seek it.

2. The Abyss

A vast chasm plunging deep into the core of Qi Xing, the Abyss is the very definition of inscrutable darkness. No one truly knows how deep it goes. Filled with treacherous terrains, the Abyss is a vertical world of its own. Each layer is distinct, with its own set of challenges and creatures. The deeper one goes, the more perilous it becomes, with the environment becoming more hostile and the creatures more ferocious. Many believe the Abyss to be the gateway to the underworld, where souls of the departed reside. Only the bravest dare to descend into its depths, seeking answers or treasures, but very few have ever returned to share their tales.

3. Flame Mountain

A behemoth of a volcano, Flame Mountain is perpetually ablaze. Rivers of molten lava carve their paths down its slopes, and the very air around it is stifling. But the external fire is just the beginning. Inside, it is a maze of caverns and tunnels, each hotter than the last. The creatures here are forged from fire, immune to the scorching temperatures and extremely hostile to intruders. Deep within the mountain's core, it is said that the Eternal Flame burns – a flame that never goes out and holds the power to grant immortality. However, reaching it is a trial of endurance, strength, and will, for the mountain's fury is unrelenting.

Li Yang listened intently, absorbing every detail. "Thank you, wise one," he said, bowing slightly.

The sage nodded, "Tread carefully, young traveler. The allure of the Forbidden Zones is strong, but so are their dangers."

With a renewed sense of purpose and the knowledge of these treacherous zones, Li Yang knew he had many challenges ahead. But for now, Wu Xian City and the Unlimited Challenge awaited.