After bidding farewell to the Lingxi Tribe, Chen Siyu and Chen Ruixuan headed east. They had heard that far to the east lay a mysterious Mystical Realm, filled with strange sights and powerful spiritual energy, yet also concealing countless unknown dangers and opportunities. The rumor deeply attracted the siblings, who longed to continue exploring that mysterious land and improve their strength.
Along the way, they crossed vast forests, forded rushing rivers, and witnessed all manner of local customs. In a bustling cultivation town, the siblings learned more detailed information about the Mystical Realm.
"I heard the Mystical Realm only opens once every hundred years, and its entrance lies deep within the mist-shrouded Phantom Moon Forest. Moreover, only those with special spiritual roots or fortunate opportunities can enter." A white-haired old man sat in a teahouse, recounting the tale vividly.
"What exactly is inside? Why does everyone yearn for it so much?" Chen Ruixuan asked curiously.
The old man stroked his beard and said mysteriously, "It is said that there is a Spirit Crystal Mountain within the Mystical Realm. The spirit crystals on that mountain contain extraordinarily powerful spiritual energy. If one obtains even a single piece, cultivation will yield twice the results with half the effort. There are also rumors that an ancient cultivation manual is hidden in the core region of the Mystical Realm. Whoever obtains it may perhaps comprehend powerful spells beyond the mortal realm."
Chen Siyu and Chen Ruixuan exchanged a glance, excitement gleaming in both their eyes. They decided to head for the Phantom Moon Forest and search for the entrance to the Mystical Realm.
After several days of arduous travel, the siblings finally arrived at the Phantom Moon Forest. A faint silver mist permeated the forest. The trees were tall and ancient, their branches and leaves interwoven tightly enough to blot out the sky. From time to time, strange beastly roars echoed from deep within the forest, filling them with awe.
They proceeded cautiously through the forest when a strange spirit beast, shaped like a deer but bearing wings, flew over their heads. Chen Ruixuan pointed at it in delight. "Sister, look! What is that? It's so beautiful."
Chen Siyu smiled. "That should be a Phantom Moon Spirit Deer. They are said to be among the guardians of the Phantom Moon Forest. Let's not provoke it carelessly. We should keep looking for the entrance."
Just then, a clear stream appeared ahead, its water shimmering with five-colored light. Chen Ruixuan excitedly ran over, intending to scoop up a handful to drink. Chen Siyu quickly stopped him. "Little brother, be careful. There's something strange about this water. Don't try it lightly."
No sooner had she spoken than several brilliantly colored water snakes shot out of the stream. With their bloody maws wide open, they lunged at Chen Ruixuan. Chen Siyu swiftly swung the Five-Colored Ribbon, tangling the snakes within it before flinging them back into the stream.
"It seems danger is hidden everywhere in this Phantom Moon Forest. We need to be even more careful," Chen Siyu said.
The siblings continued along the stream, hoping to find clues about the entrance. As they walked, they noticed strange symbols carved into the stones by the water. Chen Siyu studied them closely and discovered that they had subtle connections to runes she had seen elsewhere. After some thought, she finally deciphered their meaning: follow the stream upstream, and when the moonlight was at its brightest, the entrance to the Mystical Realm would appear.
By then, the sky had gradually darkened, and the moon slowly climbed into the heavens. Chen Siyu and Chen Ruixuan quickened their pace and headed upstream. As they advanced, the moonlight grew brighter and brighter, silver radiance spilling across the forest as though draping the entire world in a dreamy veil.
Finally, at the end of the stream, a massive stone gate appeared. Exquisite patterns were carved upon it: soaring phoenixes, charging dragons, and all kinds of strange runes. When the moonlight completely enveloped the gate, the runes upon it suddenly lit up. The stone gate slowly opened, and a powerful surge of spiritual energy rushed toward them.
Chen Siyu and Chen Ruixuan exchanged excited looks and stepped through the stone gate without hesitation. Beyond it lay a glowing passage, and at its far end, a strange radiance could faintly be seen. They knew they were about to enter the mysterious Mystical Realm, where an entirely new adventure awaited them... But what kind of encounters and challenges would await them in that unknown land?
Before you continue