Flower Sea's Lost Trail, Mysterious Maiden

Chen Siyu and Chen Ruixuan stared warily at the Flower Sea, trying to pinpoint the source of that silver-bell-like laughter. From within the sea of blossoms, a young girl in a pale purple gauze dress slowly emerged. Her skin was like snow, her eyes like stars twinkling in the night sky—beautiful as a dreamlike fairy. Yet there was a hint of slyness in her gaze.

"You two little ones, how did you end up in this Misty Forest?" the girl tilted her head and asked with a grin, her voice crisp and pleasant, as if carrying a magical charm.

Chen Ruixuan blinked and replied curiously, "We got a letter saying there's a secret of the Chaos Depths here, so we came. Sister, who is she?"

Chen Siyu didn't let her guard down, gripping the Five-Colored Ribbon tightly as she said, "We don't know who you are either. Why are you here? And what's so strange about this Flower Sea?"

The girl covered her mouth with a light laugh. "My name is Lingdie. I've lived here for a long time. As for this Flower Sea, without my guidance, you won't be able to leave. Those floral scents can make you lose your mind, trapping you in endless illusions."

Chen Siyu's heart stirred, and she asked, "Then can you lead us through the Flower Sea? We really want to know the secrets of the Chaos Depths."

Lingdie gave a sly smile. "I can, but you'll have to do me a favor. Deep in the Flower Sea, there's a Thousand-Year Spirit Flower guarded by a Guardian Beast. I need you to help me pick that spirit flower."

Chen Ruixuan hesitated at that. "But there's a Guardian Beast there. Isn't it dangerous?"

Lingdie patted her chest. "Don't worry. Sure, the Guardian Beast is tough, but you two are so capable—you'll definitely manage. If you get me that spirit flower, I'll not only take you through the Flower Sea, but I can also give you some clues about Chaos."

Chen Siyu thought it over and felt this might be a chance to learn the secrets of Chaos, so she nodded in agreement. "Fine, we'll help you. But you have to promise that once we get the spirit flower, you'll keep your word."

Lingdie laughed happily. "No problem. I, Lingdie, mean what I say. Follow me."

Lingdie led the siblings carefully into the Flower Sea. Strangely, wherever they passed, the floral scent seemed to weaken considerably. The three wove through the blossoms, and the flowers around them seemed alive, gently swaying with their footsteps.

Suddenly, a earth-shaking roar came from ahead, and a massive Guardian Beast appeared before them. It resembled a lion, its body covered in sharp spines, its eyes like two blazing flames, exuding an overwhelming pressure.

"That's the one guarding the Thousand-Year Spirit Flower. Be careful, you two," Lingdie said softly, hiding behind Chen Siyu.

Chen Siyu shielded Chen Ruixuan behind her, her hands forming seals rapidly. The Five-Colored Ribbon instantly transformed into a thick rope, flying toward the Guardian Beast to try and bind its limbs. Chen Ruixuan wasn't about to be outdone—he pulled out his slingshot, condensed pellets brimming with powerful spiritual energy, and shot them at the beast's eyes.

After being attacked, the Guardian Beast roared in fury. It wrenched itself free from the Five-Colored Ribbon, then stomped the ground hard. The earth split open, and sharp rock spikes shot up from below, stabbing toward the siblings. Chen Siyu quickly pulled Chen Ruixuan and Lingdie out of the way while directing the Five-Colored Ribbon to attack the beast again.

Just as the two sides were locked in a stalemate, Lingdie's expression suddenly shifted, and a sinister smile curled at the corner of her mouth. While Chen Siyu and Chen Ruixuan were fully focused on fighting the Guardian Beast, she quietly circled behind them, ready to launch a sneak attack...