Chapter 47 : Rewards

"Sudoku," I explained, my fingers tracing the lines of the puzzle. "It's a logic-based number puzzle where you have to fill a grid so that each column, each row, and each subgrid contains all the numbers without repetition. This formation is similar, but with symbols and runes."

Luo Bing's eyebrows knitted together as she tried to understand the concept. "So, you're saying we need to arrange these symbols in a way that each one appears only once in each section?"

"Exactly," I confirmed, my mind already racing as I pieced together the logic behind the puzzle. The challenge was exhilarating, and I felt a surge of adrenaline as I began to work on it.

I studied the door intently, noting the patterns and the placement of the symbols. The door was divided into smaller sections, each containing a different set of runes. It was a complex grid that required careful observation and strategic thinking. My heart pounded with excitement, and I couldn't help but smile at the intricate design.

"Each of these symbols has a specific place," I explained to Luo Bing as I started rearranging the runes on the door. "We need to ensure that none of the same symbols appear in the same line or circle."

Luo Bing watched me with a mix of amazement and relief. She had been concerned about the difficulty of the puzzle, but seeing me tackle it with such enthusiasm gave her hope. She leaned in, offering her assistance wherever she could, though it was clear I was in my element.

"Here, look at this section," I said, pointing to a part of the grid. "This symbol needs to go here, and that one over there. It’s a matter of figuring out the right sequence."

Luo Bing nodded, her eyes following my movements. "I see it now. It's like piecing together a very intricate map."

"Exactly," I replied, my fingers deftly shifting the runes. "We just need to be systematic about it. Each move needs to be deliberate, ensuring that we don't repeat any symbols in the wrong place."

As I shifted the runes and symbols, the door's intricate design began to make more sense. Each piece clicked into place with satisfying precision. The glow of the symbols intensified as I progressed, indicating that we were on the right track. The runes emitted a soft hum, resonating with the magical energy flowing through the door.

Minutes ticked by, and the pressure of the time limit hung over us. But my focus remained unwavering. Luo Bing kept an eye on the countdown, her heart racing with every passing second. Yet, she couldn't help but be impressed by my skill and composure.

"Here," Luo Bing said, pointing to a small symbol I had overlooked. "This one should go in that spot."

"Good eye," I acknowledged, quickly making the adjustment. "We're getting closer."

The puzzle was complex, but with each correct placement, a small part of the door's overall pattern became clearer. It was like unraveling a beautiful, multifaceted tapestry, and the satisfaction of seeing it come together was immense. Luo Bing's assistance was invaluable; her keen observations helped me avoid potential pitfalls.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity but was only a few minutes, we were down to the last few symbols. My hands moved with purpose, placing each rune with careful precision. The light from the door grew brighter, and the symbols began to resonate in harmony.

"Almost there," I muttered, making the final adjustments.

Every time he made a small mistake or had to backtrack, he mumbled to himself, furrowing his brow. "No, that doesn't go there... Wait, maybe here?"

Luo Bing couldn't help but giggle at his muttering. "You're really enjoying this, aren't you?"

Ning Feng glanced up at her, his eyes twinkling. "It's not every day you get to solve a formation Sudoku. It's like a dream come true for a formations enthusiast like me."

"Well, I'm glad one of us is having fun," Luo Bing teased, her eyes crinkling with amusement. "But seriously, you're doing great. Keep going."

Her encouragement seemed to fuel him even more. As he worked, Luo Bing occasionally pointed out small details he might have missed, her laughter bubbling up whenever he fumbled with the runes.

Despite my focus, I occasionally fumbled, placing a rune in the wrong spot. Each time I did, Luo Bing would giggle, her laughter light and infectious. "Wrong spot," she teased, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

I couldn't help but chuckle in response. "Hey, no pressure," I said, feigning indignation. "This is more complicated than it looks!"

"Look at this one," she said, pointing to a rune that seemed out of place. "Shouldn't it be over there?"

Ning Feng followed her direction and adjusted the rune. "Good catch, Luo Bing. We're getting closer."

Despite the time limit hanging over them, Luo Bing found herself genuinely enjoying the process. Ning Feng's enthusiasm was infectious, and she felt a sense of camaraderie as they worked together. Each time he made a breakthrough, she cheered him on, her giggles blending with his excited exclamations.

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As we neared the completion of the puzzle, her laughter became more frequent. My occasional fumbles seemed to delight her, and I couldn't help but smile every time she giggled. Her enjoyment was infectious, turning the challenging task into an unexpectedly fun experience.

Finally, with her help, we placed the last rune in its correct spot. The door shuddered, the carvings shifting and reconfiguring. The circular emblem in the center glowed brightly before splitting open to reveal an opening.

As the final runes clicked into place, and the door began to glow, Luo Bing's laughter turned into a triumphant cheer. "You did it, Ning Feng! You actually solved it!"

Ning Feng grinned, his face flushed with excitement and relief. "We did it together, Luo Bing. I couldn't have done it without your help."

She smiled back, her eyes sparkling with genuine enjoyment. "Let's see what's beyond this door," she said, her tone filled with anticipation.

As we stepped through the newly opened passage, the bond we had formed while solving the puzzle made the victory all the sweeter.

As they stepped through the newly opened passage, Luo Bing's heart felt lighter. The maze had tested them in unexpected ways, but it had also brought moments of joy and laughter. For the first time in a long while, she felt truly at ease, sharing this adventure with Ning Feng.

As the door finally clicked open and the intricate puzzle was completed, a bright light enveloped Ning Feng and Luo Bing, teleporting them to a new space. They found themselves standing in a vast white room, as large as a football field. The room's pristine, blank surfaces glowed softly, creating an almost ethereal atmosphere. The abrupt transition from the mesmerizing crystal forest to this stark, empty space left them both momentarily disoriented.

Luo Bing glanced around, taking in the vast expanse of the room. It was a curious contrast to the vibrant and intricate maze they had just navigated. She felt a pang of reluctance as she realized that this trial might be coming to an end. The prospect of returning to her usual life of missions and the suffocating politics of her clan filled her with a sense of unease.

For the past six hours, Luo Bing had experienced something rare and precious. The challenges of the maze, while demanding, had been a refreshing break from the constant pressure and scrutiny she faced as a member of a powerful clan. She had found herself enjoying the company of Ning Feng more than she had anticipated. His calm, methodical approach to solving puzzles and his unexpected bursts of enthusiasm had been a delightful change from the stern and often deceitful interactions she was used to.

She glanced at Ning Feng, who was examining their new surroundings with a mix of curiosity and caution. The memory of his excitement when he realized the door puzzle was a formation-based Sudoku brought a smile to her face. His dedication and passion for formations and puzzles were infectious, and she had found herself caught up in the thrill of solving the maze alongside him.

Luo Bing's thoughts drifted to the moments they had shared. The initial tension and formalities had gradually melted away as they worked together, their mutual respect and growing camaraderie making the experience enjoyable. She remembered the way he had stumbled and fumbled occasionally while solving the puzzle, each mistake met with a good-natured laugh from her. His reactions were always a blend of mild embarrassment and determination, and she had found it endearing.

The soft chiming of the crystal leaves, the glow of the moss beneath their feet, and the gentle hum of the forest seemed like distant memories now. Yet, those hours had been some of the most enjoyable she had spent in a long time. She realized that it wasn't just the beauty of the forest or the challenge of the maze that had made it special—it was the company.

The stark white room, though vast and pristine, felt empty compared to the rich tapestry of experiences they had just left behind. Luo Bing felt a twinge of sadness at the thought of returning to the rigid structure of her life, where every action was scrutinized and every word measured. Here, in this trial, she had felt a sense of freedom and authenticity that was rare in her world.

She sighed softly, her gaze lingering on Ning Feng. "I almost wish this trial could last a little longer," she admitted quietly. "It's been...nice, working with you."

Ning Feng turned to her, a hint of surprise in his eyes. "I've enjoyed it too," he replied, his voice sincere. "It's been a unique experience, and I think we've made a good team."

Luo Bing nodded, her reluctance to leave this temporary reprieve growing stronger. The memories of their shared laughter, the exhilaration of solving puzzles.

One thing that stood out to her, more than the mesmerizing beauty of the crystal forest or the challenging puzzles, was the unique and refreshing presence of Ning Feng. Throughout their journey together, not once had her emotions concept detected any hint of lust, deceit, or ulterior motives directed towards her. It was an unusual and welcome change from what she was accustomed to.

In her life, especially within the confines of her clan and the broader circles of power and influence she navigated, Luo Bing had grown used to the constant undercurrents of hidden agendas. Her ability to sense others' emotions and intentions was both a blessing and a curse. It allowed her to protect herself from potential threats and manipulations, but it also revealed the often disappointing reality of people's true motives.

Men around her typically fell into predictable patterns. Some were driven by ambition, seeing her as a stepping stone to greater power and influence within the clan. Others were motivated by desire, captivated by her beauty and status, but their intentions were always tainted by self-interest. Very few people approached her with genuine intentions, and those who did were often discouraged or overshadowed by the more aggressive suitors with hidden motives.

But Ning Feng was different. From the moment they started the trial together, his focus had been on the task at hand. He treated her as an equal, a partner in solving the maze, without any hint of ulterior motives. His emotions were transparent and sincere, a rarity in her world. Luo Bing found herself relaxing in his presence, enjoying the unguarded camaraderie that had developed between them.

She recalled the initial moments of their trial when she had been wary and reserved, unsure of what to expect from this new companion. Yet, as they navigated the crystal forest and solved puzzles together, her wariness had slowly dissipated. She had found herself laughing and engaging with him in a way she hadn't done with anyone in a long time.

As they worked together, she had subtly used her emotions concept to gauge his intentions, almost out of habit. But each time, she found nothing but honesty and earnestness.

It was a stark contrast to the duplicitous nature of the people she usually interacted with. The absence of hidden agendas and the presence of genuine teamwork made her realize just how much she had missed this kind of connection.

She thought back to the moment when Ning Feng had excitedly identified the door puzzle as a formation-based Sudoku. His enthusiasm was pure and unpretentious, a reflection of his true nature.

He wasn't trying to impress her or manipulate the situation for his benefit; he was simply passionate about his craft and eager to solve the puzzle. It was this authenticity that had drawn her to him, making her feel at ease and allowing her to lower her guard.

Luo Bing's thoughts drifted to the men in her clan and the constant political maneuvers she had to navigate. They were always calculating, always looking for ways to gain favor or power. Even those who seemed kind and genuine often had hidden motives, hoping to use her status for their gain. It was exhausting and disheartening, making her doubt the sincerity of everyone around her.

In contrast, Ning Feng's straightforward nature was a breath of fresh air. He was what he showed, without any layers of deceit or manipulation. This clarity and honesty were what made her feel so relaxed around him. She didn't have to constantly second-guess his actions or words; she could simply enjoy their time together, focused on the challenges they faced.

Just then, both of them heard a voice announce, [“You have cleared the trial of the fourth floor.”] The words echoed through the vast white room, carrying a tone of finality and accomplishment. Luo Bing and Ning Feng exchanged glances, their expressions a mixture of relief and excitement.

The voice continued, [“You are the first team to clear the trial.”] This additional piece of information brought a sense of pride to both of them. Being the first meant that their teamwork and skills had truly set them apart from all the others attempting the same challenges.

Then, the voice added, [“You have the right to choose two treasures each from the hidden vault of Aksha.”]

As they stood there, absorbing the magnitude of their achievement, the white room began to shimmer. Before their eyes, the space transformed, revealing a grand set of doors adorned with intricate carvings and glowing runes.

As they approached, the runes on the doors responded to their presence, glowing brighter until the doors slowly swung open, revealing the treasures within.

The room beyond was filled with shelves and pedestals, each holding items of various shapes and sizes, all emitting a faint, magical aura. Weapons, armor, scrolls, and trinkets were displayed, each promising great power and utility.

But there was something even more interesting and both their eyes went towards the same section.