The Gate of Eternity Curse of Heaven

REVELATION

The room remained silent after Zhang Wei spoke his sentence about the Nine Gates Prophecy. The five elders present looked at each other, their faces showing a mixture of shock and disbelief. The shadows in the corners of the room moved restlessly, as if they themselves were affected by the words that had just been spoken.

Li Tianshen stepped forward, his figure filling the room with an energy that was hard to describe. Despite being from the Heavenly Realm, he looked at ease in the midst of darkness - something that should have been impossible. “The Nine Gates Prophecy,” he repeated, ”is not just a myth. It is a hidden map to the balance of the realm.”

Xiao Yingmei felt something stir within her. The shadows around her began to move on their own-as if alive, as if they had consciousness. Her blood felt hot, but not from fear, but something deeper-confession.

“The nine realms,” Zhang Wei continued, his voice calm yet possessing a power that made the room seem to tremble, ”are not merely separate places. They are part of a complex whole. Each realm is an organ in the great body of the universe.”

Elder Feng, who had been the loudest opponent of Zhang Wei, finally spoke. His deep wrinkles looked even clearer under the light of the shadow crystal. “Explain,” he said in a tone that tried to sound threatening, yet failed to hide curiosity.

Zhang Wei smiled-a smile that contained hundreds of years of hidden knowledge. He moved across the room, his steps silent on the obsidian floor.

“Every thousand years,” he said slowly, ”there will be a time when the nine realms are at their weakest point of balance. At that time, a child will be born-a child capable of bridging the realm boundaries.”

His eyes looked right at Xiao Yingmei, who was still hidden among the shadows. But Zhang Wei saw through the shadows, seeing his daughter in a way that no one else could.

“That child,” he whispered, ”is our daughter.”

Xiao Yingmei finally came out of hiding. The shadow enveloping her moved like living silk, then merged with her body, making her eyes shine with a strange dark purple light.

“Father,” she said, her voice soft yet possessing a depth that did not match her age. “I hear everything.”

Zhang Wei nodded. “Indeed you should,” he replied, as if his daughter's reconnaissance was part of his plan. “It's about time you found out who you really are.”

Li Tianshen stepped closer to Xiao Yingmei, his movements cautious as if approaching something precious and fragile. “I've been waiting for you for thousands of years,” he said, his voice full of restrained emotion.

Elder Feng rose to his feet, dark energy blazing around him. “This is treason!” he exclaimed. “Bringing a Heavenly Realm being into the heart of our kingdom!”

“Feng,” Zhang Wei said calmly, ”you are only seeing the surface. Look deeper.”

At that moment, Li Tianshen opened his robes, revealing something that shocked the elders - on his chest, right where the heart should be, was visible the same symbol that Zhang Wei had on his back: Nine interlocking Circles, the ancient symbol of the Nine Gates.

“How could it be...?” whispered Elder Yuan, his eyes widening at the sight of the symbol.

Li Tianshen smiled faintly. “I'm not merely a Heavenly Realm being,” he explained. “Like Zhang Wei, I'm a Guardian.”

Xiao Yingmei looked at Li Tianshen and her father in turn, unspoken questions evident in her eyes. Zhang Wei nodded slowly, signaling that it was time to reveal everything.

“Sit down,” Zhang Wei said to everyone present. “This story begins long before the realms were formed as we know them today.”

Shadows moved on the walls of the room, forming moving images-as if they were windows into the past. Zhang Wei raised his hand, and the images grew clearer. This was one of the rare powers he possessed: the ability to manipulate shadows into memorable images.

“In the beginning,” Zhang Wei began, ”there was only one realm - the primordial realm where all forms of energy and matter coalesced in perfect harmony. However, something happened-a cosmic disturbance that is still not fully understood.”

The picture on the wall shows a huge explosion - a vortex of energy that split into nine different streams.

“The primordial realm split into nine separate realms,” Zhang Wei continued. “Each with different characteristics and natural laws. Our Shadow Realm, Heavenly Realm, Fire Realm, Water Realm, Earth Realm, Wind Realm, Metal Realm, Wood Realm, and... The Intermediate Realm.”

At the mention of the “Intermediate Realm,” Zhang Wei's voice changed - it became softer and full of longing. Xiao Yingmei caught the change clearly, and she knew it was related to her mother, Mei Lin.

“The Intermediate Realm,” Li Tianshen continued, ”is the most mysterious. It's not just a realm with clear boundaries, but a space between other realms-a place where the laws of nature are flexible.”

“And my mom,” Xiao Yingmei cut in, ”is from there.”

Zhang Wei nodded, a faint smile forming on his lips. “Mei Lin is not just any inhabitant of the Intermediate Realm. He is a Wanderer - a rare being who is able to penetrate the boundaries of the realm without breaking the fabric of reality.”

“But that's only part of the truth,” Li Tianshen said. “There's a reason why we, the Guardians, have been waiting for your birth for thousands of years.”

Elder Feng, who had been listening with suspicion, finally spoke. “Guardians? You guys call yourselves Guardians? Guardians of what?”

Zhang Wei and Li Tianshen exchanged glances. A wordless communication took place between them - a decision on how much to reveal at the moment.

“We are the Guardians of Balance,” Zhang Wei finally replied. “Ever since the primordial realm split, the balance between realms has become fragile. Every thousand years, this balance reaches its tipping point - a time when the gap between realms widens, opening up the possibility for the caged ancient forces to break free.”

“Ancient power?” asked Xiao Yingmei, her crimson eyes flashing with curiosity.

Li Tianshen sighed. “There are entities that existed before the primordial realm was formed-absolute void forces that have always sought to enter existing realms. If successful, they will erase all existence, returning the universe to the original void.”

Elder Yuan, who had been silent, suddenly spoke. “The Nine Gates Prophecy,” he said quietly. “Nine Guards, Nine Keys, One Bridge...”

Zhang Wei nodded. “That's right, Elder Yuan. You have always been sharper than others.”

Elder Feng stood up, dissatisfied with the explanation given. “This is nonsense! Ancient legends that cannot be proven. We face a real threat - forbidden relations with the Heavenly Realm, mixed blood defiling the royal bloodline!”

Zhang Wei looked at Elder Feng with a gaze that contained infinite patience, as if he had faced thousands of arguments like this during his long life. “Feng,” he said calmly, ”your fear stems from ignorance. What you perceive as betrayal is actually part of a much larger rescue plan.”

“Prove it,” Feng challenged.

Zhang Wei smiled-the same smile he had shown before the legendary battle against the ten thousand Light Realm warriors.

“Xiao Yingmei,” he called out, ”will you show Elder Feng what you can do with your shadow?”

All eyes were on Xiao Yingmei. The girl closed her eyes for a moment, and when she opened them again, the entire room changed. Shadows from every corner of the room moved, not just like living entities, but like windows into another reality. Within those shadows, they saw glimpses of different realms: The Heavenly Realm with its blinding light, the Fire Realm with its turbulent lava, the Water Realm with its endless ocean, and other realms.

“This...” Elder Feng stammered, “this surpasses any shadow control ability ever.”

“Because it's not just shadow control,” Li Tianshen explained. “This is the ability to see through the gap between realms-a power that only the Bridge possesses.”

“The Bridge?” asked Xiao Yingmei, still holding onto that shadow vision.

“In the Nine Gates Prophecy,” said Zhang Wei, ”there are nine Guardians guarding nine Keys. But those Keys cannot be used without a Bridge - an entity capable of connecting all realms at once.”

“And that's... me?” asked Xiao Yingmei, her voice trembling.

Zhang Wei nodded, his eyes radiating both pride and sadness. “You are the Bridge, Xiao Yingmei. A perfect blend of my blood as a Shadow Realm Guardian and your mother's blood as an Intermediate Realm Traveler.”

“But there's still something you didn't tell me,” Xiao Yingmei said suddenly, her eyes glaring at her father. “About mom. About why she left. And about how all of this relates to Li Tianshen.”

The room fell silent again. Even the shadows that displayed other realms slowly faded away, returning to being ordinary shadows.

Zhang Wei let out a long sigh. “You're right,” he said finally. “There is more you should know. About your mother, about your destiny, and...” he paused for a moment, ”...about the great risks you must face as a Bridge.”

Far away in a place unreachable by any map, in a room made of light and darkness dancing in perfect harmony, Mei Lin stood facing an ancient mirror. In the mirror, she could see her daughter, Zhang Wei, and Li Tianshen gathered in the elders' meeting room.

“It has begun,” she whispered to someone behind her.

The figure stepped forward, his face hidden in a hood made of a material that looked like dense mist. “Is she ready?” the figure asked.

Mei Lin smiled faintly. “Xiao Yingmei is stronger than anyone expected,” she replied. “But her strength is not perfect. She needs the truth-the whole truth.”

“The truth can be a heavy burden,” the hooded figure said. “Especially the truth about her true origins.”

Mei Lin nodded, her eyes radiating deep sadness. “I know. But he has the right to know. About who she is. About why she was born. And...” she hesitated for a moment, ”...about the sacrifices she might have to make.”

The hooded figure sighed. “The Nine Gates will open soon,” he said. “And the entity behind it has waited too long.”

“That's why we have to move now,” Mei Lin said. “It's time for me to get back to them.”

“You know the risks you're taking,” the figure warned. “The Antara Realm is about to collapse. If you leave it now...”

“I know,” Mei Lin cut in, her eyes flashing with unwavering determination. “But my daughter and husband need me more. The balance of the nine realms is more important.”

The hooded figure nodded slowly, as if giving in to the inevitable decree. “In that case,” he said, ”I will open the way. But remember, Mei Lin, once you leave this place, fate will move swiftly - and not all involved will survive to the end.”

Mei Lin closed her eyes, taking in the words. When she opened them again, she had made up her mind. “Open the way,” she said firmly. “It is time for the Wanderer to return home.”

Back in the elders' meeting room, Zhang Wei prepared to tell the most difficult part of their story. But before he could utter a word, something strange happened. The air in the center of the room began to tremble, forming a small vortex that slowly grew larger. Shadows and lights danced within the vortex, creating a dreamlike scene.

“What is this?” asked Elder Feng warily, preparing with his shadow power.

Zhang Wei raised his hand, signaling for everyone to remain calm. His eyes emitted emotions that were difficult to read-a mixture of hope, longing, and... fear?

Li Tianshen stepped forward toward the vortex, his eyes wide. “No way,” he whispered. “The rift between realms shouldn't be able to be opened this easily.”

“Unless,” Zhang Wei said softly, ”if the one opening it is a Traveler.”

Xiao Yingmei felt her heart racing. There was something familiar about the energy flowing from the vortex-something that felt like an old, almost forgotten memory.

“Mother?” she whispered involuntarily.

As if answering her call, the vortex exploded in a soft light. When the light subsided, the figure of a woman stood in the center of the room. Her hair was long and black with a bluish tinge, her eyes were a dark purple, and her skin was pale as if it had never been touched by the sun. She wore a dress that seemed to be made of dense mist, moving around as if alive.

“Mei Lin,” Zhang Wei whispered, his voice trembling.

The woman smiled - a smile that made the room seem brighter. “Zhang Wei,” she replied. “My husband.”

Then his gaze shifted to Xiao Yingmei, and his smile turned softer. “My daughter,” he said. “How you have grown to be so strong.”

Xiao Yingmei was transfixed, speechless. All her life, she had only known her mother from stories and legends. Seeing her standing before her now felt like a dream.

“How could...” Elder Feng stammered, fear and awe mixed in his voice.

Mei Lin turned to him, and for a moment, Elder Feng felt like a child before an unimaginable power. “There are more important matters than your disputes,” Mei Lin said, her voice soft yet containing undeniable authority. “Time is running out. The Nine Gates will open soon.”

“What do you mean, time is running out?” asked Xiao Yingmei, finally finding her voice again. “What's going to happen?”

Mei Lin stepped closer to her daughter, reaching out to touch her cheek. Her touch felt like a spring breeze - gentle yet strangely substantial. “My brave daughter,” she said. “There is much for you to know, and very little time to learn it.”

Zhang Wei and Li Tianshen looked at each other, a wordless communication taking place between them - an agreement that their plans should be accelerated.

“Mei Lin,” said Zhang Wei, ”does this mean...”

“Yes,” cut in Mei Lin, her gaze serious. “The Emptiness Entity has found a way to weaken the seal of the Nine Gates. They'll be coming soon - and this time, they're stronger than ever.”

“But Xiao Yingmei isn't ready yet,” Li Tianshen said, concern clear in his voice. “He hasn't mastered all of his powers as a Bridge yet.”

“That's why I'm here,” Mei Lin replied. “To help my daughter reach her full potential.” She turned to face the elders. “And for this, we need your help. Not as elders or rulers, but as the true Guardians of the Shadow Realm.”

Elder Feng, who had been the fiercest opponent, fell silent. For the first time, he saw the big picture that had been obscured by his own fear.

“What should we do?” asked Elder Yuan on behalf of the other elders.

Mei Lin smiled - a smile that contained hope and courage. “First of all,” she said, ”we must take Xiao Yingmei to the Cave of Reflection - the place where the boundaries of the realm are thinnest. There, she will learn to truly become a Bridge.”

“And then?” asked Xiao Yingmei.

Mei Lin's eyes met her daughter's, and for a moment, Xiao Yingmei could see the heavy burden her mother bore - an almost unbearable burden of knowledge and responsibility.

“Then, my daughter,” Mei Lin said, ”we prepare for the greatest battle the nine realms have ever faced. A battle that will determine whether everything we know will remain... or return to the initial void.”

The room fell silent again. Mei Lin's presence had changed everything-bringing an urgency that was previously unfelt. The future of the nine realms now depended on what would happen next.

Outside the room, shadows moved unnaturally, as if restless. Something had changed in the cosmic balance, and even the darkness itself sensed it.

Meanwhile, on the outer border of the Shadow Realm, a group of border guards witnessed a strange phenomenon in the sky. Nine stars that were normally scattered across the night sky suddenly moved, forming a formation that had never been seen before.

“What does this mean?” asked one of the young guards.

Their commander, an old warrior who had served for hundreds of years, raised his face to the sky. His eyes widened as he recognized the ancient pattern that had only existed in legends.

“The Nine Gates,” he whispered, his voice trembling. “They are beginning to open.”

In the distance, a darkness thicker than the deepest night began to creep in through the cracks of reality - trying to find its way to the animate world.

Destiny had been decided. A great change was about to take place, and at its center stood a girl of mixed blood - Xiao Yingmei, the Princess of Darkness, as well as the eons-awaited Bridge.