"We must make our hearts pure and firm," Shen Jingqi said loudly. "Only then can we find that door and escape from the prison of this stone tablet."
Renault and Li Baiyu also understood Shen Jingqi's words and nodded in agreement, ready to try. They knew this was their last hope, and they must give it their all.
So, they closed their eyes again, took a deep breath, and let their minds fully immerse in the darkness. They abandoned all distractions and fears, keeping only their longing for freedom and dreams for the future. They used their hearts to feel the guidance and strength in the whispers, making their hearts pure and firm.
As time ticked by, their hearts gradually became calm and firm in the darkness. They seemed to be able to sense the presence of the door; it was within them, waiting to be opened.
Suddenly, a strong light illuminated the entire space, as hot as the blazing sun, making it impossible for them to look directly. They felt their bodies lifted by an invisible force, as if they were about to float towards the unknown sky.
Shen Jingqi felt a strong impulse in his heart, an indescribable feeling, as though a force was pushing him to pursue that unknown door. He opened his eyes suddenly, and the passage before him became clear and within reach. The passage was no longer the blurry, twisted path it was before but had become spacious and bright, like a broad avenue leading to freedom.
"Look! The passage has appeared!" Shen Jingqi shouted excitedly, his voice brimming with joy. He immediately rushed toward the passage, his silhouette drawing a bright arc in the darkness, like a meteor streaking across the night sky.
Renault and Li Baiyu felt the same impulse, following closely behind, exerting all their strength toward the passage. Their hearts were full of anticipation and longing, as if they had already seen the dawn of freedom flickering ahead. This time, they were not pulled back by that invisible force but smoothly passed through the passage. As they traversed the passage, it felt as if they were moving through a tunnel of time and space, a sensation so wonderful it defied words.
As they passed through the passage, the scene instantly changed. They found themselves standing in a bright space, surrounded by familiar sights, as if they had returned to the real world. The light surged like a flood, washing away the darkness and fear in their hearts, making them feel unprecedented ease and comfort.
When they opened their eyes again, they found themselves in an entirely new world, filled with light and warmth, as if it were a paradise. They looked around, greeted by a vibrant, lush landscape bursting with life, filling them with surprise and joy.
"We... did we really escape?" Renault's voice carried a hint of disbelief, feeling as if he were dreaming. He pinched himself hard, felt the pain, and knew it was no dream.
He took a deep breath, the fragrance of flowers and grass in the air felt incredibly familiar and warm.
Looking around, everywhere was green and lush, with dense trees, and sunlight filtered through the leaves like shattered gold, sprinkling on the ground, sparkling brightly.
Shen Jingqi also gazed at this new world, his eyes filled with curiosity and the light of exploration. The sunlight was bright, as if every corner was filled with life and hope. He inhaled deeply, the fresh scent invigorating him. He felt the ground under his feet, solid and warm, starkly different from the cold despair he had experienced before.
Li Baiyu seemed as if he had awoken from a long nightmare, his eyes still tinged with confusion and bewilderment. He took a deep breath of fresh air, the crisp scent cleansing his muddled thoughts. He felt as though his soul had finally returned to his body, that long-lost sense of groundedness nearly bringing tears to his eyes. He gazed at the scene before him, overwhelmed with an indescribable feeling.
They had finally escaped the terrifying stone tablet and regained their freedom.
However, just as they thought everything was over, the strange voice rang out again. But this time, it no longer carried whispers and guidance but exuded an indescribable majesty and warning.
"Although you have escaped the stone tablet, the wheel of fate continues to turn. The road ahead will be even more difficult..."
The voice echoed like thunder around them, lingering and unyielding.
Renault and Li Baiyu looked at each other, eyes filled with terror and unease. They had just escaped a terrifying place, and now, could they be facing a new crisis?
Renault's heart raced again; he felt as if an invisible force gripped his throat, making it hard to breathe. He looked at Shen Jingqi, hoping for some comfort or explanation. However, Shen Jingqi merely smiled calmly, a mysterious confidence and determination in his expression.
"Stop trying to scare us," Shen Jingqi's voice was calm and firm, glancing at the direction of the voice, eyes shining with defiance,
"I have seen the truth."
"What is it? Tell us quickly!" Renault urgently shook Shen Jingqi's arm.
"There's no time inside the stone tablet, so all I need to do is seize the present, and everything will be okay."
Renault and Li Baiyu were taken aback, unable to understand what Shen Jingqi meant. No time inside the stone tablet? Seizing the present? It sounded like some profound philosophy, but in this dangerous moment, it seemed somewhat out of place.
Seeing their puzzled expressions, Shen Jingqi smiled and explained, "After everything we've experienced inside the stone tablet, haven't you noticed? There's no concept of time there; it feels like we're trapped in an eternal moment. But now, we've escaped and returned to the real world, where there is time and a future. So, as long as we cherish the now and bravely face the future, that's enough."
After hearing Shen Jingqi's words, Renault and Li Baiyu felt a surge of inexplicable emotion. They looked at Shen Jingqi, eyes filled with admiration. In this moment full of unknowns and dangers, Shen Jingqi's calm and resolve gave them immense courage.
However, the strange voice did not disappear because of Shen Jingqi's words. It still resounded in their ears, filled with undeniable authority.
"The road ahead will be even more difficult... Do you think that by escaping the stone tablet, you can break free from the shackles of fate..."