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Chapter 1
They had been traveling for weeks, following the ancient Silk Road that connected the East and the West. A group of traders, carrying spices, silk, and other valuable goods.387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgdRH80jm7
They hoped to reach the city of Samarkand, where they could sell their wares and rest for a while. But along the way, fierce sandstorms were encountered that forced them to take shelter in a nearby cave. 387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WxM2I7nRR
There, they discovered a hidden oasis, a lush green valley surrounded by mountains. They were amazed by the sight, but even more so by the strange phenomena they witnessed. Plants that glowed in the dark, animals that spoke in human tongues, and streams that flowed uphill. 387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzuUycd6LI
They realized that they had stumbled upon a place where magic still thrived, a place that had been forgotten by the rest of the world. And decided to explore the oasis, hoping to find its secrets and its guardians. 387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTG4iKV1QVD
But they also had to be careful, for they knew that there were others who would seek to exploit the power of this oasis, people who would stop at nothing to claim it as their own. This was realm of sorcery, and they had to be ready for anything.387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndci4aaUtx
.......
Liang, was a young and ambitious trader who dream of becoming rich and famous by traveling the Silk Road. He joins a caravan led by an experienced merchant named Zhang, who eventually becomes his mentor and friend.387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCa2I1MIAA
Zhang, a veteran merchant who has traveled the Silk Road many times and knows its dangers and opportunities. Takes Liang under his wing and teaches him the secrets of the trade. He hopes to retire soon and settle down with his family in Xi’an, the capital of China.
Aisha, a beautiful and mysterious woman who lives in the hidden oasis of Shambhala, where magic still thrives. She is the daughter of the oasis’s ruler, a powerful sorcerer named Omar. She is kind, gentle, and compassionate, but also brave and independent. She meets Liang when he and Zhang stumble upon the oasis and falls in love with him.387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikFG2pHcsG
Now Omar, isn't part of the group. He is the ruler of Shambhala and a master of magic. And also the guardian of the oasis and its secrets, which he protects from outsiders who seek to exploit its power. Proud, noble, and wise, some knew that he was also secretive, stern and sometimes cruel.387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy64sMNDNZj
He will meet this band of desert traders later. And plans to marry Aisha to a royal prince from a neighboring kingdom to secure an alliance.387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftBXkAkYSe
Then there is Hassan, a ruthless and cunning warlord who leads a band of nomads and raiders. He is the enemy of Omar and beautiful Shambhala, and wants to conquer the oasis and harness its magic for his own ambitions. 387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLB7t7x0o0
He is cruel, greedy, and ambitious, but also charismatic and cunning. He has spies and informants along the Silk Road and learns of Liang and Zhang’s discovery of the oasis. He decides to pursue them and capture Aisha, whom he desires for her beauty and power.387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPYbdnrgIU
..........387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TZLhfzb4E
Chapter II
Liang had always dreamed of traveling the Silk Road, the ancient route that connected the East and the West. He had heard stories of the exotic lands, the rich cultures, and the precious treasures that awaited those who dared to venture into the unknown. 387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmgDgDfgno
He wanted to see the world, to experience its wonders, and to make his fortune. To not be content with the simple life of a farmer in his village, where he had been born and raised. 387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGFAmflyLt
More!387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYf7uN0SAwa
He wanted more, much more...387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5tMoKIwog
He had saved enough money to join a caravan of traders, led by a man named Zhang, who was reputed to be one of the best merchants in the land. Zhang had traveled the Silk Road many times, and knew its secrets and dangers. 387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2KA3LaT0S
He was a wise and generous man, who took Liang under his wing and taught him the skills of the trade. Eventually he also became his friend and mentor, and treated him like a son.387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHJya06sDB
They had been traveling for weeks, crossing deserts, mountains, and rivers. And seen many wonders, such as the Great Wall of China, the pyramids of Egypt, and the temples of India. Many dangers and perils befelled them such as bandits, sandstorms, and wild beasts. 387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ocrKS7WZu
They had traded their goods with many people, such as the Persians, the Romans, and the Arabs. And had learned many things, such as foreign languages, customs, and religions. Many fine and splendid pleasures, were enjoyed, such as food, wine, and women. 387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBHwMGxmk3
They had lived many lives, in one journey.387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZc27rrmr9W
But nothing had quite prepared them for what they were about to discover. One day, as they were crossing a vast and barren desert, they encountered a sudden, fierce sandstorm with billowing gusts of wind and sand. It threatened to engulf them completely. So, they quickly sought shelter in a nearby cave, hoping to wait out the storm. 387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsv2QClfqF
They lit a fire and settled down, sharing stories and jokes to pass the time. Liang was curious about the cave, and decided to explore it a bit. He took a torch and ventured deeper into the darkness, leaving Zhang and the others behind.387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0gRWH7Eig
He walked for a while, until he reached a dead end, and was about to turn back, when a small crack appeared in the wall. Peering through it, he gasped. Before his amazed vision, a sight manifest that he could not believe. 387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7V1UD3n7TF
Yes, this was a hidden oasis, a lush green valley surrounded by beautiful mountains. With plants that glowed in the dark, animals that spoke in human tongues, and streams that flowed uphill. A place where magic still thrived, a place that had been forgotten by the rest of the world.387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1f0lowQIH
He was so amazed that he did not notice the shadow that crept behind him. Until he heard the whisper that said:387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOlpKuHcWI
"Who are you, and what are you doing here?"
Liang turned around, startled by the voice. He saw a young girl, no older than twelve, standing behind him. She had long black hair, fair skin, and bright green eyes. She wore a simple white dress, and carried a wooden staff. She looked at him with curiosity and suspicion.387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGIYMbwnjA
"Who are you, and what are you doing here?" she repeated.387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiC9dnMDu7
Liang was speechless. He had never seen anyone like her before. He wondered if she was human, or some kind of fairy. He wondered if she was friendly, or hostile. He wondered if he was dreaming, or awake. He tried to calm himself, and answer her question.
"I am Liang, a merchant from China. I came here with my friends, to seek shelter from the sandstorm. We did not mean to intrude on your land. We did not know it existed. Please, do not harm us. We mean you no harm."387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAqvVqjIWY
The girl tilted her head, and smiled.387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6UVZj3ZMh
"You are a merchant? You travel the world, and trade with many people? You have seen many wonders, and learned many things?"387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaZrWxLguj
Liang nodded, cautiously.387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9RqXcNr28
"Yes, that is true. I have seen and learned much. But nothing like this. This place is amazing. How do you live here? Who are you?" The girl laughed, and waved her staff. "I am Layla, the guardian of this valley. I live here with my friends, the animals and the plants. They are my family.
We have lived here for a long time, hidden from the outside world. We have our own magic, our own secrets, our own way of life. You are the first human to ever find us. You are very lucky. Or very unlucky."387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1Bn9gdXcZ
Liang felt a chill run down his spine. He did not know what she meant by that. He did not know what she would do to him, or his friends. He did not know if he should trust her, or fear her.387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7icgVyuFK
He decided to be polite, and respectful.387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkiAyDZQmh2
"Please, Layla, do not be angry with us. We did not mean to disturb you, or your family. We are just travelers, looking for a safe place to rest. We will leave as soon as the storm is over. We will not tell anyone about this valley. We will keep it a secret. Please, let us go."387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSMD9PC9nq
Layla looked at him, and shook her head.387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6oC679202
"No, Liang, you cannot go. Not yet. You have seen too much. This hidden realm you have entered is forbidden and a sacred law has been broken. You must face the consequences and face the king."387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDaHOd7uie
Liang felt his heart sink.
He did not like the sound of that. And wondered who the king was, or what he would do to him. He did not know if he would ever see his friends again or leave this valley alive.387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLQdKNj0xU
He tried to plead with her, but she cut him off.387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpDQHj1amo
"Come, Liang, follow me. Do not resist. Do not be afraid. The king will be waiting for you. He will decide your fate and judge you. "Either you will be rewarded or punished!"
She grabbed his hand, and pulled him towards the crack in the wall. Liang had no choice but to follow her. He hoped for the best, but feared the worst.
He wondered what would happen to him, in this hidden oasis, this magical valley, a forgotten world.387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmtehtbUYY
.......387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM38mBacu5J
Layla led Liang through the crack in the wall, and into the valley. Liang was amazed by the sight that greeted him. He saw plants that glowed in the dark, animals that spoke in human tongues, and streams that flowed uphill. Flowers that changed colors, birds that sang melodies, and trees that bore fruits of all kinds. He saw creatures that he had never seen before, such as unicorns, dragons, and fairies. A place where magic still thrived, places that had been forgotten by the rest of the world.387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPNEMCbMdn
He felt a mix of awe, wonder, and fear. not knowing what to expect, or what to do. He didn't know if he was welcome, or unwanted. Or if he was safe, or in danger.387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TJF0PqUjV
He followed Layla, who seemed to know the way. She walked with confidence and grace, greeting the animals and the plants as she passed by. She apparently was well-liked and respected by them. and appeared to be happy and content with her life.387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxq3AkXYWTo
She looked at Liang, and smiled.387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWBawA7v5j
"Do you like it here, Liang? Do you find it beautiful?" Liang nodded, hesitantly. "Yes, Layla, I do. It is very beautiful. I have never seen anything like it. It is a miracle." She laughed, and clapped her hands. "I'm glad you think so, Liang. It is a miracle indeed. A gift from the king. He is the one who created this valley, who protects it. The one who rules it.
Liang felt a pang of anxiety. He did not know who the king was, or what he would do to him. If he would be friendly, or hostile. Merciful, or cruel.387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLRPdwROGk
He tried to ask Layla, but she shushed him.387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRx1Vhc7kp
"Quiet, Liang, we are almost there. Do not speak. Do not make any noise. Please don't draw any attention to yourself. The king does not like to be disturbed.
Nor does he likes strangers, and definitely not intruders. He is powerful, wise and very dangerous."
She pointed to a large mountain, that loomed over the valley. It was the highest and the most majestic of them all. It had a peak that reached the sky, and a base that spanned the horizon. There was a cave that opened at its side, and a light that shone from within.387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCn8J4636Bt
"That is where the king lives. That is where we are going and your fate will be decided. Come, Liang, follow me. Do not be afraid. The king is waiting for you." She took his hand, and pulled him towards the mountain. Liang had no choice but to follow her and hope for the best, but he feared the worst.
He wondered what would happen to him, when he met the king.387Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWhwMEM6mb
