Into The Tomb
1080 Words
Xin did not sleep well that night. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw the Dragon Tomb—imagined monsters waiting in the darkness, ancient traps designed to kill intruders, spiritual pressure crushing him like a bug.
Thirty percent survival rate. Master Zhou had said it so calmly, like he was discussing the weather.
When dawn finally broke, Xin rose and dressed in the simple training clothes. His body still ached from yesterday's beating, but the healing tonic had worked wonders. At least he could move without wincing.
A knock came at his door. Princess Mei entered, carrying a bundle wrapped in silk.
"You look terrible," she observed.
"Did not sleep much."
"Smart. Only an i***t would sleep soundly before entering the Dragon Tomb." She unwrapped the silk, revealing a short sword in a plain scabbard. "Take this."
Xin accepted the weapon carefully. The blade was lighter than he expected, perfectly balanced. "I do not know how to use a sword."
"I know. But you will need something down there, and a sword is simpler than most weapons. Just remember—pointy end goes in the enemy." She demonstrated a basic grip. "Hold it like this. Do not swing wildly. Small, controlled movements. And for heaven's sake, do not drop it."
"Very detailed instruction," Xin said, but he appreciated the gesture. He strapped the sword to his waist, feeling its unfamiliar weight.
Princess Mei studied him for a long moment. Her usual sharp expression had softened slightly. "You do not have to do this, you know. My father would understand. Master Zhou would understand."
"Would you understand?"
She smiled faintly. "No. I would think you were a coward. But at least you would be a living coward."
"Good to know where I stand."
They walked together through the empty palace halls. It was early enough that most servants were still sleeping, and the nobles would not emerge for hours. The silence felt heavy, like the building itself was holding its breath.
Master Zhou waited for them at a door Xin had never noticed before—hidden in a corner near the old archives, covered in dust and cobwebs. The old master held a torch that burned with the same blue flame from the trial chamber.
"Ready?" he asked simply.
"No," Xin admitted. "But let us go anyway."
Master Zhou placed Xin's hand against the door. "Focus your qi into your palm. The dragon mark will do the rest."
Xin closed his eyes and pushed. The qi in his channels surged toward his hand, still wild and uncontrolled, but stronger than yesterday. The mark on his forehead burned hot.
The door shuddered. Ancient mechanisms groaned to life. Dust cascaded from the frame as the door swung inward, revealing a descending staircase that plunged into absolute darkness.
"The entrance will remain open for exactly six hours," Master Zhou explained. "If you have not returned by then, it will seal again—with you inside. Forever."
"Again, very encouraging," Xin muttered.
"One more thing." Master Zhou handed him a small jade pendant carved in the shape of a dragon. "This contains a single emergency teleportation spell. If you are about to die, crush it. It will bring you back to this spot instantly."
"Only works once?"
"Only once. Use it wisely. Or better yet, do not use it at all." The old master placed a weathered hand on Xin's shoulder. "The Dragon Tomb is designed to test you, not kill you outright. Trust your instincts. Trust the dragon blood. And remember—"
"Power without purpose is just destruction," Xin finished, remembering Longwei's words from the dream.
Master Zhou nodded approvingly. "Good. You were paying attention."
Princess Mei stepped forward suddenly and did something completely unexpected—she hugged him. It was brief and awkward, but genuine.
"Do not die, stable boy," she whispered. "I am just starting to like you."
Before Xin could respond, she pulled away and turned her back, arms crossed tightly. Was she crying? No, impossible. Princess Mei did not cry.
Xin took a deep breath and descended into the darkness.
The stairs went down. And down. And down. The blue torch in his hand provided barely enough light to see three steps ahead. The air grew colder with each step, and heavier—like walking through water. This must be the spiritual pressure Master Zhou had mentioned.
His legs began to ache. Then burn. The qi in his channels stirred restlessly, responding to the oppressive atmosphere. It took all of Xin's concentration just to keep moving forward.
After what felt like hours but was probably only minutes, the stairs ended. Xin found himself in a massive chamber carved from black stone. Pillars rose into darkness overhead, each one carved with dragons so detailed they seemed alive. Blue flames flickered in wall sconces, casting dancing shadows.
And in the center of the chamber stood a statue.
It depicted a man in dragon armor, one hand raised as if in greeting or warning. The face was unmistakable—Longwei, the First Dragon Lord. At the statue's feet, words were carved in ancient script that somehow Xin could read:
*"Welcome, inheritor. You who bear my blood have entered the Dragon Tomb seeking power. Power you shall find—if you can survive to claim it. Three trials await: Body, Mind, and Spirit. Pass all three, and the secrets of the Dragon Lords are yours. Fail, and your bones will join those who came before."*
Cheerful.
A grinding sound echoed through the chamber. To Xin's left, a doorway opened, revealing a corridor lined with more blue flames. To his right, another door appeared. Straight ahead, a third passage materialized.
Three trials. Three paths.
Xin approached the left doorway and peered inside. He could see a large arena-like space with weapon racks on the walls. The Trial of Body, probably—combat.
The right doorway led to a room filled with floating symbols and geometric patterns. The Trial of Mind—puzzles or riddles.
The center path showed only darkness, but Xin could feel something emanating from it. A presence. Ancient and aware. The Trial of Spirit.
"Well," Xin said to the empty chamber, "at least I get to choose which one kills me first."
He drew his sword, the blade ringing softly in the silence, and made his choice.
Xin walked through the left doorway, toward the Trial of Body.
The door slammed shut behind him, and the real test began.
- Writer
