Chapter 162: The Lost Castle

Forget it, let us not overthink. Since we are already here, we might as well follow them inside and see what else remains in this lost kingdom, said Xiyan.

Ayuan nodded and followed closely behind Xiyan. The old woman raised no objections and walked inward with them as well.

...

Crossing the desert of flying yellow sand, the group arrived before a castle. Although the structure appeared weathered and neglected, it did not diminish one's ability to imagine its former glory.

Even after all these years, the castle still looked magnificent.

Looking at the faded yet towering castle before her, Ayuan suddenly felt a profound wave of sadness. The emotion seemed entirely foreign to her own, yet it burst forth from the depths of her being.

Drawn involuntarily, Ayuan stepped closer to the castle, only to be stopped by Xiyan.

Ayuan? What is the matter with you? Xiyan asked, looking at her with concern.

Coming to her senses at the sound of his voice, Ayuan turned to look at Xiyan, then back at the castle.

She stepped back a few paces, fell into Xiyan's embrace, and said with a tearful tremble in her voice, I do not know why... this castle seems to be crying. I... I feel so unwell.

Xiyan gently patted Ayuan's back and comforted her, It is alright, do not be too sad. This must simply be an emotional response to the scenery.

Ayuan poked her head out from Xiyan's arms, looked up at him uncertainly, and asked, Is that truly the case? But I still feel an inexplicable force guiding me, a force that wants me to draw near to it.

A force compelling Ayuan to draw near? That hardly sounded normal!

Yet, Xiyan kept his suspicions to himself, fearing he might frighten Ayuan.

Your Highness, you need not be afraid. This is because a part of your power originates from this castle, which is why you feel such a natural affinity toward it, the old woman suddenly chimed in.

Her words resolved the doubts lingering between Xiyan and Ayuan.

With no further questions, the group followed the two preceding teams into the castle.

The grand gates of the castle had been tightly sealed, but the moment the three of them stepped within range, the heavy doors slowly swung open with a deep, rumbling sound.

Xiyan and Ayuan looked at the old woman, and only after seeing her nod did they step inside with peace of mind.

Although the old woman had appeared out of nowhere, with no concrete proof that she was truly Qingyan's wet nurse or a native of this kingdom, Xiyan simply possessed an instinct—likely stemming from one of his passive abilities—that she harbored no ill intentions toward Ayuan and was entirely trustworthy.

The group stepped into the castle.

The interior was remarkably understated yet steeped in understated luxury. Passing through the grand entrance, they entered the inner chambers, greeted first by a sprawling garden featuring a bubbling fountain. For reasons unknown, despite the passage of countless years, the fountain was still flowing.

Logic dictated that after hundreds of years, even with a water source, the fountain should have long since dried up.

Granny, do you find anything amiss with this fountain? Xiyan asked the old woman respectfully.

The old woman gazed at the courtyard fountain and replied, The fountain is indeed vastly different from before. I recall that when this trial instance was first unlocked, there was no water here; it had been dry for a very long time.

Her words heightened Xiyan's vigilance.

Why on earth would this instance change precisely when they arrived? This could hardly be a coincidence.

Could it be because...

Xiyan's gaze shifted to Ayuan. Could something within this instance be waiting specifically for her?

Brother, never mind this, let us go inside! I feel as though something in there is waiting for me! Ayuan's tone suddenly grew urgent.

She reached out and tugged at Xiyan's hand, attempting to pull him forward, but the old woman who had been trailing them suddenly blocked their path.

You cannot go in. A terrifying monster is locked away inside, the old woman warned.

Xiyan looked at Ayuan, who hastily explained, No, it is not a monster! Inside—it is definitely not a monster! I can feel that it is crying in pain, and it is calling out to me!

Xiyan had never seen Ayuan experience such intense agitation. Could this instance truly be centered around Ayuan? Was there something inside meant to harm her?

Brother, please trust me! Truly! Just trust me this once, will you? Ayuan pleaded, looking up at him with tearful eyes.

Seeing Ayuan looking so pitiful, Xiyan's heart softened. Finally, he nodded and agreed to accompany her inside.

Overjoyed that Xiyan had granted her request, Ayuan grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the inner rooms.

The old woman sighed helplessly and followed the two of them inside.

Their destination was a hall directly opposite the garden, which appeared to have once served as a reception parlor for guests.

While the three of them proceeded, the members of the other two teams remained behind in the garden, lingering without taking further action.

Observing Xiyan and the other two enter the chamber, the members of those two teams began to murmur among themselves.

Hey, they said the only dangerous place in this instance is that room. Why on earth did they head in there?

Do you suppose there might be some treasure hidden inside?

What treasure could possibly be in there? You are thinking far too much. It is not as though no one has ever gone in before, but do you know of anyone who ever made it out alive? Only a single half-dead person stumbled out to speak of the horrors within before promptly perishing. Have you forgotten?

At that, both teams fell silent.

Exchanging glances, the two groups turned and departed in opposite directions.

...

The moment Xiyan and his companions stepped across the threshold, the world before their eyes plunged into pitch darkness.

Yet they did not lose consciousness, nor was the space itself dark; rather, their vision had simply been robbed of all light.

Brother... Where are you? Ayuan called out in a frightened voice.

Hearing her cry, Xiyan immediately guided himself by the sound, reached out, and grasped Ayuan's hand.

Ayuan, do not be afraid. I am here.

Reassured by Xiyan's voice, Ayuan finally calmed slightly.

What is happening? Why can we no longer see anything? she asked.

A monster is imprisoned here. No matter what abilities it possesses, anyone who enters is struck by sudden blindness, though their eyes remain physically unharmed and intact, the old woman explained.

Roar!

Just as they were speaking, a fierce beastly roar suddenly echoed close to their ears.