"Heart of the World: The Rise of the Eternal Guardian"

The voice from the crystal still echoed in Xiao Tian's mind, its words reverberating with an almost divine weight. The gravity of what he had just learned felt like an anchor dragging him into an abyss. The Heart of the World wasn't just a source of power—it was a fragment of a forgotten god, a piece of the delicate balance that held the world together.

Xiao Tian took a deep breath, attempting to steady his racing thoughts. The path ahead was shrouded in uncertainty, but one thing was clear: the academy's desire to control the Heart would bring chaos to the world. Their ambition could shatter the fragile balance that had existed for millennia.

"We have to protect it," Xiao Tian said, his voice steady but heavy with resolve. "No matter the cost."

Yue'er and Lian'er exchanged a glance, both of them sensing the magnitude of the burden Xiao Tian was about to carry. They had always known he was destined for greatness, but now it seemed the weight of the world itself rested on his shoulders.

"We will stand by you," Lian'er said, her voice unwavering. "Whatever comes next, we face it together."

Yue'er nodded, her eyes filled with determination. "We've already faced so much. We won't stop now."

Xiao Tian smiled faintly, grateful for their unwavering support. "Thank you. But this is just the beginning. We have to find a way to understand the true nature of the Heart, and how to stop the academy from using it."

The crystal pulsed again, its light flickering as though it were reacting to their words. The voice spoke once more, its tone softer this time, as though it recognized Xiao Tian's resolve.

"To protect the Heart, you must seek the Council of Elders. They are the last guardians of the ancient knowledge. Only they can guide you on how to wield the Heart without destroying the world."

Xiao Tian's heart raced as he absorbed the information. The Council of Elders. He had heard whispers of such a group—an ancient order that had once safeguarded the balance of the world. But they had disappeared long ago, leaving behind only traces of their existence.

"We'll find them," Xiao Tian said firmly, determination burning in his eyes. "But where do we start?"

The crystal's light flared brightly, and a map of the world appeared before them, glowing with an ethereal light. At the center of the map was a dark, uncharted region, its location shrouded in mystery.

"The Council of Elders resides in the Forbidden Mountains," the voice continued. "But be warned—the journey will not be easy. The academy has already set their sights on the Heart, and their forces will stop at nothing to claim it. You must hurry."

The map flickered, and the image of the Forbidden Mountains was replaced by an image of a massive stone door, adorned with ancient symbols. The door was sealed, its surface marked with countless wards and seals.

"This is the entrance to the Council's sanctum," the voice explained. "But it is hidden behind powerful barriers. Only the chosen ones can unlock the way."

---

The Journey to the Forbidden Mountains

With the map guiding their way, Xiao Tian, Yue'er, and Lian'er set out on their journey to the Forbidden Mountains. The road ahead was fraught with danger, but they had no choice but to move forward. The academy's forces would be closing in soon, and the Heart's power was too dangerous to remain in their hands.

As they traveled, the landscape around them grew increasingly desolate, the air heavy with the weight of ancient secrets. The Forbidden Mountains were said to be located in the heart of a vast, inhospitable wasteland, a place where few dared to tread. The closer they got, the more oppressive the atmosphere became, as though the mountains themselves were alive, watching their every move.

Xiao Tian could feel the Heart's power resonating with the land, a constant hum beneath his skin. It was as though the Heart was guiding him, urging him toward the mountains. But with each step, the burden of its power grew heavier, its influence more demanding.

"What if we can't unlock the entrance?" Yue'er asked one night, her voice laced with uncertainty. "What if we're not the chosen ones?"

Xiao Tian glanced at her, his expression softening. "We have to believe that we are. The Heart has chosen us for a reason. It's not just a weapon—it's a part of something much larger. We have to trust that we're capable of understanding its true purpose."

Lian'er, ever the realist, raised an eyebrow. "And if we fail? What then?"

"We won't fail," Xiao Tian said, his voice firm with determination. "I won't let the academy win. I won't let them destroy the balance of the world."

---

The First Trial

The Forbidden Mountains loomed ahead, their jagged peaks piercing the sky. As they approached, the air grew colder, the wind carrying a faint, otherworldly chill. It was clear that the mountains held ancient power, and Xiao Tian could feel the Heart pulsing in response to the energy surrounding them.

The first sign that they were nearing the entrance came when they reached a large plateau, covered in ruins. Stone pillars stood like silent sentinels, their surfaces carved with intricate symbols and glyphs. At the center of the plateau was a massive stone archway, its surface covered in glowing runes.

"This is it," Xiao Tian said, his voice filled with awe. "This is the entrance."

As he stepped forward, the Heart at his side pulsed, and the runes on the archway began to glow brighter. The stone beneath his feet trembled, and the air crackled with energy. It was as if the very earth was alive, responding to his presence.

But as Xiao Tian reached out to touch the archway, a sudden force pushed him back. A wave of dark energy erupted from the stone, throwing him to the ground.

Yue'er rushed to his side, her hands glowing with healing energy. "Xiao Tian! Are you alright?"

Xiao Tian pushed himself up, his body aching from the impact. "I'm fine. It's just a barrier. The entrance is protected by some kind of trial."

Lian'er's eyes narrowed as she surveyed the ruins. "A trial? What kind of trial?"

Before Xiao Tian could answer, a voice boomed from the heavens, its tone deep and ancient.

"To enter the sanctum of the Council, you must prove your worth. Only those who are truly worthy may pass."

The air around them thickened as shadows began to gather at the base of the stone arch. From the darkness, figures began to emerge—shadowy beings, cloaked in mist, their eyes glowing with an eerie light.

"The trial is one of strength and heart," the voice continued. "Only those who can defeat the trials will gain the right to enter."

Xiao Tian stood tall, his resolve unwavering. "We're ready."

The shadowy beings lunged forward, their forms shifting and changing as they attacked. Xiao Tian, Yue'er, and Lian'er sprang into action, their combined strength a force to be reckoned with.

---

[End of Chapter 15]