In that hazy moonlit night, everything in the inn seemed immersed in a dreamlike tranquility. Moonlight seeped through the cracks in the windows, casting speckled patterns on the rustic wooden floor, as if it were nature's most delicate painting. Mo Deqian and Xiao Xiangzi were each sound asleep in their respective rooms, and the other guests in the inn had also entered sweet dreams.
Suddenly, a faint yet unusual sound shattered the night's silence. The sound seemed to come from the inn's corridor, and the light footsteps sounded particularly clear in the quiet night sky. This unusual disturbance instantly awakened Mo Deqian's alertness.
Mo Deqian woke up instantly from his sleep with his innate sharpness. Without saying a word, he moved quickly and silently, picking up his long sword from the bedside. A calm glint flashed in his eyes, like the brightest star in the night sky. He cautiously opened the door and stepped out of the room, ready to face any potential situation.
At the same time, Xiao Xiangzi was also startled from her sleep by the unusual sound. Her reaction was extremely swift, taking only a few seconds to put on her clothes and tightly grip her ready dagger. Her eyes sparkled with intelligence and determination, showing her independent and strong-willed character.
The lanterns in the corridor swayed with the wind, emitting a faint light. Mo Deqian and Xiao Xiangzi met in the corridor, both with a vigilant gleam in their eyes.
Mo Deqian conveyed a message of "be careful" with his eyes, and Xiao Xiangzi nodded in understanding. They each had their own way of handling things, but in this situation, they seemed unusually in sync.
"Did you hear that too?" Xiao Xiangzi asked in a low voice.
Mo Deqian nodded, his tone calm: "Yes, it seems like something is moving. Let's check it out together."
They cautiously proceeded along the corridor, being extra careful with each step to avoid making any noise. However, the sound of footsteps seemed to intentionally guide them, becoming clearer and clearer, yet still no one was in sight.
When they reached the lobby of the inn, suddenly a gust of wind blew in from the door, causing the lanterns to sway violently, accompanied by an eerie low chant. The low chant seemed to come from nowhere, both ethereal and terrifying.
Mo Deqian and Xiao Xiangzi locked eyes and saw the seriousness in each other's gaze. Xiao Xiangzi whispered, "This sound seems to be related to the ancient legend near the inn."
Mo Deqian nodded, looking serious. "I have the same feeling. It is said that a long time ago, a catastrophic fire occurred nearby, and many innocent lives were lost in the flames. Perhaps these eerie sounds are related to that disaster."
They decided to conduct a thorough investigation into the truth behind these strange phenomena. Mo Deqian and Xiao Xiangzi returned to their respective rooms and took out the necessary equipment, preparing to begin this exploration.
Over the next few days, they began a careful investigation of the area near the inn. They consulted ancient maps, interviewed nearby villagers, and even ventured to the site of the big fire, hoping to find some clues.
In a late-night exploration, they arrived at an abandoned ancient well. The well had been deserted for many years, with its opening covered by weeds and vines. However, as they approached the well, a strong sense of unease overcame them, as if there was something indescribable lurking in the well.
Mo Deqian cautiously peered into the well, only to see a dark abyss at the bottom, with nothing visible. But at that moment, a cold wind blew up from the depths of the well, carrying a faint sound of weeping, as if someone were lamenting.
Xiao Xiangzi's expression became serious, and she said in a low voice, "This well seems to hide many secrets, perhaps related to the strange phenomena we have encountered."
Mo Deqian nodded, determination shining in his eyes. "We must investigate and uncover the truth behind these phenomena. Only by lifting this veil of mystery can we restore peace to the inn."
So, Mo Deqian and Xiao Xiangzi began a thorough investigation. During the day, they interviewed the surrounding villagers, inquiring about the history of the ancient well and the details of the ancient fire. After gaining a deep understanding, they learned a shocking fact: the ancient well was the starting point of the fire, and after the fire, there were rumors that strange sounds could often be heard from the well, as if countless lost souls were lamenting at night.
Mo Deqian and Xiao Xiangzi realized that these eerie phenomena were not coincidental. They decided to conduct a late-night exploration of the ancient well in the following night.
Night falls, Mo Deqian and Xiao Xiangzi carry lanterns and necessary equipment, arriving at the deserted ancient well. Moonlight shines on the well, casting a shadow and making it appear more profound and mysterious.
Xiao Xiangzi takes out a long rope, ties it to a large stone, and slowly lowers it into the well to measure its depth. Meanwhile, Mo Deqian remains vigilant, observing the surrounding environment to guard against any unforeseen circumstances.
Shortly after the rope was lowered, the sound of a stone hitting the bottom was heard. Mo Deqian and Xiao Xiangzi pulled up the rope, preparing to descend into the well to investigate. They descended along the well wall with agility, with only the faint glow of the lantern in their hands shimmering in the darkness.
Upon reaching the bottom of the well, they discovered a hidden cave entrance that seemed to lead to an unknown place. The interior of the cave was dark and damp, with a strong smell of must and mildew.
The two decided to further explore the mysterious cave. They carefully made their way through the narrow passage and eventually arrived at a spacious underground chamber. Here, many ancient items were piled up, seemingly relics from a long time ago.
As they searched for clues among these relics, a cold draft suddenly rushed out from the depths below, accompanied by a chilling low moan. Mo Deqian and Xiao Xiangzi immediately became alert, gripping their weapons tightly.
Xiao Xiangzi's voice trembled: "These low moans seem to be the cries of countless lost souls. There must have been some unfortunate events that happened in this place."
Mo Deqian looked determined: "We must find the source of all this, in order to release these trapped souls."
The process of delving deep into the underground space was a mysterious journey for Mo Deqian and Xiao Xiangzi. The air was filled with an ancient and mystical atmosphere, and every step felt like entering a fog of history. The light flickered in the narrow passage, casting their long, distorted shadows.
Finally, they arrived at the deepest part of the underground space, where there was an ancient altar. The altar was covered in thick dust, indicating that it had been undisturbed for a long time. At the center of the altar was a Bronze Tripod, and the ashes in the tripod seemed to be telling a tale of ancient and tragic story.
Mo Deqian's gaze fell on the Bronze Tripod, his eyes revealing a hint of contemplation. Xiao Xiangzi, on the other hand, was more direct, whispering, "Some kind of ritual must have taken place here. Those low chants probably come from the souls that couldn't find peace."
Mo Deqian nodded without saying anything, but a hint of determination flashed in his eyes. They both understood that these lost souls needed to be appeased in order to find their resting place.
Xiao Xiangzi took out some spices from her bag and carefully placed them into the Bronze Tripod. She lit the incense and began reciting ancient scriptures for the salvation of souls. Mo Deqian stood silently by, his face expressionless but with deep respect in his eyes.
As the scriptures were recited and the incense burned, the air around the altar seemed to undergo a change. The eerie murmurs gradually became peaceful and eventually dissipated into the air as if they had never existed.
Mo Deqian and Xiao Xiangzi stood quietly in front of the altar after completing the ceremony, as if silently mourning the souls that had just found rest. The entire underground space also regained its calm, as if all unrest had dissipated with the wind.
Before leaving, Xiao Xiangzi glanced back at the Bronze Tripod with a hint of complex emotion in her eyes. Although she had a particular attachment to wealth, in this moment, she deeply felt the value of other things.
Mo Deqian walked ahead in silence, his steps still firm, but perhaps with a hint of reflection in his heart after this experience. They walked out of the underground space and stepped back into the night, leaving the altar to rest alone in the silence.
Mo Deqian and Xiao Xiangzi quietly left the underground space and returned to the surface. As they walked, the strange atmosphere in the inn gradually dissipated, and everything returned to its former tranquility.
This incident has also become another legendary story passed down in the inn, attracting more people to come and explore. The reputations of Mo Deqian and Xiao Xiangzi have also become widely known in the martial arts world, making them a legendary duo with extraordinary martial arts skills, as well as rich wisdom and courage.
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