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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.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJKJg4nnXc
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. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMSq4ouNJB
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. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjVUdaVAc4
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. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdoJniadpw
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.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJRtLCGIDZ
.......
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.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEXbk3IMbN
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.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxgNyMYLYT
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.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHuP7yQtzR
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.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNL7GwVt3k
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. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjxgOfbZdh
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.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBypJg4Ffq
..........386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUbilIc5kg
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. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxI8RIZf5Bp
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. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqF2zjf5la
More!386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78w7kTVMci
He wanted more, much more...386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkAHUfLrTe
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. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5ozC82LCO
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.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7wJsMcQKw
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. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCaSgHjQO3
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. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6hZcncUmN
They had lived many lives, in one journey.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhMjaa6ecD
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. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCa37IKQ0fy
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.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDdsa9w3ke
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. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvH8jq5iYDo
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.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7TOBdmly2
He was so amazed that he did not notice the shadow that crept behind him. Until he heard the whisper that said:386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4wMGmIU85
"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.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTEtw6ZRvu
"Who are you, and what are you doing here?" she repeated.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnIn6gU0ZN
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."386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOjTyORO5b
The girl tilted her head, and smiled.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14RkD7QQZn
"You are a merchant? You travel the world, and trade with many people? You have seen many wonders, and learned many things?"386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZP0Qk8HawV
Liang nodded, cautiously.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Ul45VX3fU
"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."386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12zMgUN9CD
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.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJB38vrTRwV
He decided to be polite, and respectful.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUboCwGG7ZU
"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."386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjOtVX8XLt
Layla looked at him, and shook her head.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntY9ZYnCl9
"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."386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnBpAHdnXu
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.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEc04CzrGz
He tried to plead with her, but she cut him off.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5M1ZYTaAO
"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.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7N8Z2vSa4
.......386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdljaf4rgL
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.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQF9SSFO933
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.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8FoOGpwN4
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.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNVkZuO12w
She looked at Liang, and smiled.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlfpCxJIuC
"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.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJefUSSrv1D
He tried to ask Layla, but she shushed him.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3Q3xSXyUR
"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.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNsy9bW15N
"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.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQvTlRhMbA
