Chapter 35 - Chapter 35 Mysterious Studies and Looming Threats

The journey back to the stronghold was a somber one. Jack walked at the front of the group, the small black shard clutched so tightly in his hand that his knuckles turned white. The vision of the shadowy figure and the ancient gate haunted his every thought, a constant reminder of the danger that awaited them.​As they entered the stronghold, the remaining members of the Mysterious Yin Alliance rushed to their aid, their faces filled with relief at the sight of the survivors. But the mood quickly turned solemn as they learned of Su Yao's sacrifice and the new threat that loomed over them.​Elder Li immediately ordered the scholars and researchers of the alliance to gather in the study hall. "We need to understand what this shard is and what it means," he said, his voice firm but weary. "Leave no stone unturned."​Jack placed the shard on a polished table in the center of the hall. As soon as it touched the surface, the room was filled with a soft, eerie glow. The scholars and researchers gathered around, their eyes wide with curiosity and trepidation.​One of the elder scholars, a man with a long, white beard and thick glasses, reached out to touch the shard. But as his fingers made contact, he let out a startled yelp and pulled back his hand. "It's... it's filled with a dark energy I've never felt before," he stammered. "It's as if it's alive, whispering secrets in a language I can't understand."​Jack stepped forward. "I saw a vision when I touched it. A figure with a red - glowing staff standing in front of an ancient gate. There was a power behind that gate, something... monstrous."​The room fell silent, the only sound the soft murmur of the shard's energy. Finally, another scholar, a young woman with sharp eyes and a determined expression, spoke up. "There are ancient texts in the deepest archives that speak of a 'Gate of Oblivion.' It was said to be a portal to a realm beyond our understanding, a place where untold evils slumbered. But the texts also say that the gate was sealed long ago by the greatest heroes of our world."​Elder Li's brows furrowed. "Could this shard be a key, or a sign that the seal is weakening?"​Before anyone could answer, the shard suddenly began to vibrate violently. The eerie glow intensified, and a series of strange symbols appeared on the table, as if burned into the wood by the shard's energy. Jack leaned in closer, his heart pounding. The symbols were similar to those on the Chaos Orb, yet somehow darker, more menacing.​As the shard continued to vibrate, a cold wind swept through the room, extinguishing the lanterns. In the darkness, a soft, mocking laugh echoed, sending chills down everyone's spines. "You think you can understand the secrets of the abyss?" a voice hissed. "Foolish mortals. The Gate of Oblivion will open, and your world will be consumed."​Jack reached for his sword, his eyes scanning the darkness. "Show yourself!" he shouted. But there was no reply. The shard stopped vibrating, the symbols faded, and the room was once again bathed in the dim light of the re - lit lanterns.​The Keeper placed a hand on Jack's arm. "We're not alone in this. Whatever is behind this, we'll face it together."​Jack nodded, but he couldn't shake the feeling of dread that had settled in the pit of his stomach. As the scholars resumed their study of the shard, he knew that they were running out of time. The shadowy figure, the Gate of Oblivion, and the dark power that awaited them—these were threats unlike any they had faced before. And with Su Yao's sacrifice still fresh in his mind, Jack was more determined than ever to stop them, even if it meant putting himself in the greatest danger yet.