Chapter Three: The Astonishing Appearance of the Sword-Dancing Maiden

Inside the hall, the darkness hung as heavily as a velvet curtain, shutting out all light and leaving only the threadlike beam of a flashlight to struggle against the endless black, like a solitary lighthouse in a night-bound sea. Lin Dabing’s footsteps echoed through the silence, each one weighted, as if even the air thickened with each breath he took. The damp sensation of moss pressed through the soles of his shoes, a reminder that this was no ordinary place, and every step demanded caution.

His gaze was as sharp as a hawk’s, sweeping the surroundings in search of anything unusual, any hint of movement or sound. The air was laden with an ancient, mysterious aura that compelled a sense of reverence. Suddenly, the sky split open—a flash of lightning blazed across the night, illuminating the world in a single, blinding instant. Its brilliance seemed to pierce every shadow, reaching into the deepest recesses of the human soul.

In that momentary radiance, Lin Dabing’s eyes penetrated the gloom and fell upon the entrance to the left wing. There, he witnessed a scene that would be forever etched in his memory: a young maiden in ancient garb, poised and upright, brandishing a long sword as she lunged, resolute, at a masked brute. Her beauty was ethereal, as if stepped from a painting, yet her eyes blazed with unwavering determination, transforming all fear and uncertainty into the gleaming edge of her blade, ready to sever every hindrance.

The vision was so abrupt that Lin Dabing nearly cried out. But years of experience in criminal investigation quickly restored his composure; he dropped to the ground, drew his pistol, and prepared for any emergency. Yet, in the minutes that followed, only the wind and rain could be heard—there was no other movement within the hall. Confusion and doubt swelled within him. He was certain of what he had seen—how could there now be nothing? Had his eyes deceived him? No, he was sure he had not been mistaken.

Rising cautiously, he crept toward the left wing’s doorway. Inside was pitch black, the only sound the rain lashing against the windows, echoing in the empty corridor. His heart pounded—he sensed he was on the verge of uncovering a momentous secret. Gently, he pushed the door open and stepped into the wing, his eyes keenly searching every corner. The room was empty, save for a few dim oil lamps flickering in the draught, casting meager light. Yet Lin Dabing was certain something concealed and unknown was hidden here.

His fingers brushed the seemingly ordinary but subtly peculiar wooden boards, a surge of excitement welling up inside him. The boards appeared randomly placed, yet he sensed a mechanism. With utmost care, he shifted them, wary of triggering some unforeseen danger. As the boards slowly moved, a faint click sounded, and suddenly the floor split open, revealing a staircase descending into the earth.

His heartbeat quickened. He realized he was about to unveil a secret buried for over five centuries. He glanced back at his team, signaling them to follow. Drawing a deep breath, he was the first to step onto the mysterious stairway. Candlelight flickered along the walls, illuminating their path as they ventured deeper. With each step, the air grew heavier, as though even breathing became a challenge.

At last, they reached the end of the staircase. Before them sprawled a spacious underground chamber, crammed with all manner of antiques and treasures, each exuding the weight of history and the passage of ages. These might be the private collections of long-gone royalty or relics of an ancient civilization, lying in quiet anticipation of discovery. Yet Lin Dabing’s gaze did not linger on these treasures; instead, his attention was drawn to a massive stone sarcophagus at the chamber’s center.

Exquisitely carved with motifs of dragons and phoenixes amidst swirling clouds and mist, the sarcophagus bore witness to the artisan’s mastery and reverence for life. Its lid was set with a golden plaque depicting twin dragons chasing a pearl, gleaming resplendently in the candlelight—the very image of legendary treasure. Lin Dabing approached, gently touching the plaque, feeling its chill and weight. For a moment, it seemed he could hear the whispers of history, sense the turning of the ages.

But as he stood, entranced by the spectacle, a clear, ringing sword cry suddenly pierced the air. A white blur flashed like lightning and shot toward him. Reacting instantly, Lin Dabing twisted aside, narrowly evading the fierce attack. Focusing his gaze, he saw that it was the very swordswoman from the legend. Sword in hand, her posture was agile, her eyes brimming with vigilance and hostility. She fixed her gaze on Lin Dabing and his team, ready to strike at any moment.

“Who are you? Why do you disturb the peace of this place?” Her voice was cool and resolute, as though it could pierce all noise and restlessness.

Lin Dabing drew a steady breath and replied slowly, “We are the Criminal Investigation Division from the Public Security Bureau. We’re here to investigate recent attempts to steal the treasures of this ancient temple, and to uncover its hidden secrets.”

At his words, the maiden was momentarily taken aback, then sheathed her sword, casting Lin Dabing a glance filled with complex emotion. She seemed to hesitate, but at last she spoke: “Very well, I’ll tell you the truth. But you must promise not to disturb the tranquility of this place.”

She began to recount the secret of the ancient temple. It was once the summer palace of a noble family from antiquity, and this underground chamber had been built in secret to safeguard their most precious treasures and secrets. The antiques and jewels were not merely measures of wealth, but vessels of forgotten history and legend. The secret within the sarcophagus was tied to an ancient prophecy and the fate of the family itself.

The maiden, whose name was Yun Shang, was the last guardian of the underground trove. Chosen from childhood, she had endured rigorous training in martial arts and wisdom to ensure the safety of the treasure and the secrecy of its existence. In her eyes shone unwavering loyalty and dedication to her family’s mission, mingled with subtle sorrow and loneliness. Her entire life seemed bound to this endless vigil.

“And the masked man—who was he?” Lin Dabing interrupted, suspicion and caution in his voice.

Yun Shang frowned, reluctant to speak of it, but finally answered, “He is one of the thieves who have haunted the temple grounds in recent years. For a long time, they have coveted the treasure here, making repeated attempts to break in, but I have always managed to stop them in time. Tonight, taking advantage of the storm, he struck again. Fortunately you arrived when you did—otherwise the consequences would have been dire.”

Hearing this, Lin Dabing felt fresh respect for Yun Shang’s courage and skill. He understood well that the burden she bore as guardian was not one most people could imagine. At the same time, he felt both anger and concern at the audacity of the thieves.

“Miss Yun Shang, rest assured—we will thoroughly investigate this matter and protect the temple and its treasures,” Lin Dabing promised solemnly.

Yun Shang nodded, gratitude flickering in her eyes. She knew that her strength alone could not hold this heavy secret forever, and perhaps Lin Dabing and his team could bring hope and support.

Thereafter, Yun Shang led Lin Dabing and his companions deeper into the underground chamber, introducing them to the stories and significance behind each antique and treasure. Every item carried a history, whispering its own tale of legend and wonder. Lin Dabing and his team listened, enraptured, as if transported back to that glorious and mysterious age.

But as they sank into the river of history, a sudden rush of footsteps shattered the calm of the chamber. The thieves had not given up; sheltered by darkness and storm, they launched another assault.

In an instant, Yun Shang drew her sword, moving with feline grace to meet the threat. Lin Dabing and his team reacted swiftly, drawing their weapons to confront the intruders. The underground chamber exploded into chaos—sword gleams flashed, fists whistled through the air, and thus began a fierce contest of treasure and justice.