Chapter 19
Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/PazjBDkTmW
You can buy coins here to unlock advanced chapters: https://gravitytales.com/coins-purchase-page/
Chapter 19: Help Open a Door
Behind the door lay three passages leading in different directions. All appeared deep, their destinations impossible to guess at a glance.
“I’ll check!” Yin Fan stepped forward first, scanning the passages with vigilance honed from years of monster hunting. He examined each tunnel, listening for sounds and studying the terrain before returning grim-faced.
“The Presences from all three passages feel similar. I can’t determine the correct path.” He glanced at the dust-covered ground. “No one’s been here for ages. If forced to choose, I’d pick the right passage—it aligns closest to where we fell.”
“Yin Fan, you’re mistaken,” Xun Rong interjected before You You could speak. “The left passage is the true exit.”
Yin Fan’s face darkened. “Must you oppose me at every turn?!”
Xun Rong retreated slightly, feigning alarm. “I merely analyzed the terrain and mechanisms. The left likely leads to a larger space… an exit.” He coughed weakly, cheeks flushing as if enduring grievance. “Though you distrust me, please prioritize You You’s safety.”
“You—” Yin Fan’s frustration boiled over. “The right passage is correct! I’ll prove it!”
“Books suggest the left holds promise.”
“Your books mean nothing against my experience! Stay here if you dare!”
“Very well.” Xun Rong smiled magnanimously. “We’ll follow your choice.”
“…” Yin Fan’s eye twitched. This infuriating act of false compromise—
“You You, decide!” both men demanded, turning to the silent woman.
“Middle path.” She strode forward without hesitation.
Yin Fan: “…”
Xun Rong: “…”
Their argument had been pointless.
———
You You hadn’t ignored their debate—she’d simply checked the System Map during their squabble. The map clearly showed left and right as dead ends, leaving only the mysterious middle passage.
The System proved reliable. The tunnel deepened, revealing expansive stone chambers resembling grand halls. Stone statues stood sentinel, guardians of forgotten secrets.
Yin Fan abandoned his anger as unease grew. “This place feels wrong. Stay alert—”
White light exploded beneath their feet. Yin Fan crumpled under sudden pressure, knees hitting the ground. Xun Rong collapsed beside him.
“Yin Fan!” You You reached for them, but Yin Fan shoved her away.
“Stay back! It’s the Yang formation—it only suppresses men!”
Xun Rong gasped, pale-faced. “Find the formation’s core… northwest position…”
You You sprinted rightward, finding a stone tablet etched with a glowing Taiji symbol. When she touched the Black half, the White side brightened. Black mist coalesced opposite, completing the Yin-Yang diagram. The ground shuddered, revealing a Black door covered in arcane symbols.
“Activate the contract spell on the door!” Xun Rong urged. “A female’s blood will—”
You You withdrew her hand. “You planned this from the start.”
Silence.
Xun Rong’s frail mask slipped. “What nonsense! Hurry—”
“The formation broke when the door appeared.” She pointed at the now-dull tablet. “Drop the act.”
Xun Rong stilled. Slowly, he rose—posture straightening, meekness evaporating. His beauty turned sharp, exuding dangerous allure.
“When did you notice?” His voice dripped honeyed malice.
“When you kept subtly insulting Yin Fan while playing the victim.” She crossed her arms. “Only clueless men miss ‘white lotus green tea’ tactics. I’m a woman.”
Xun Rong’s smile froze. Though unfamiliar with the terms, the mocking tone stung.
