89 The Dark Legend 1 (1/2)
Early in the morning in the quiet Jianlan Underground Palace, Dominic hunched before the towering copper door in the square, pushing it open slowly. An eerie breeze blew out from the darkness.
”Follow me.” He glanced at the youth behind him. ”I’ll take you to the library.”
Ye Qingxuan nodded and followed closely, entering the darkness past the threshold. Behind him, the heavy door slammed shut. With the dim light from his lantern, he could vaguely see the person in front of him.
A breeze blew past in the surging darkness, extinguishing the flame inside the glass. Ye Qingxuan froze, his footsteps halting.
”What’s wrong?” Dominic looked back. Will-o’-wisps seemed to dance in his eyes, shining faintly and sending chills down Ye Qingxuan’s spine. Seeing his expression, Dominic laughed eerily. ”Don’t be afraid. As long as you don’t have a light, there’s nothing to be afraid of on this path.”
The corners of Ye Qingxuan’s lips twitched. Not knowing what to say, he hurried to catch up, scared he would get lost.
All was still in the darkness, but Ye Qingxuan could not shake the feeling that someone following him. There seemed to be laughter in the faint wind, but when he listened for it, he could not hear clearly. Things he could not see wrapped around him as if scrutinizing his face and bare skin. Some opened their mouths, wanting to devour that sweet piece of meat, but the small bell on Ye Qingxuan’s wrist rang gently and they did not dare to get close.
They finally passed through the darkness. Torches lit up from the sides of the long tunnel. The flickering lights illuminated his body again, and he could finally let out the long breath he had been holding. His body had felt like it was going to dissolve in the endless darkness.
”We’ve arrived.” At the end of the tunnel, Dominic reached out and pulled open the metal door for Ye Qingxuan.
The metal door grated and creaked. The piercing sound echoed through the darkness like faint laughter. Behind the door was an empty, warmly lit hall. As if this place had been maintained year long, the glazed tiles were glossy enough to reflect one’s image. The chandeliers on the ceiling were spotless as well. Unlike most libraries, there was no rotting or moldy scent, nor was there any dust. Everything was in perfect state.
Lines and lines of ancient shelves, crammed with books, stood behind three rows of reading tables. Some of the books had been printed in recent years. They had innovative designs, and the ink smelled faintly of roses. Some looked like artifacts from the Dark Ages. There was sheepskin wrapped over the papyrus, emanating a metallic scent.
”The Library of the Royal Academy of Music is the largest library in all of Anglo. It was established to preserve civilization when attacked by the natural catastrophes. The library holds many confidential materials, letters, and conference records. Other than precious music scores and secret books, there are also dark secrets…” Dominic continued. ”Everything here is top secret. If you accidentally see something you shouldn’t see, watch your mouth. I don’t need to say more, do I?”
”No, no need.” Ye Qingxuan shook his head forcefully, scared that doing anything wrong would end with his death.
”Good.” Dominic nodded. ”Other than you, there are still some little things being raised here. Don’t be startled if you accidentally see them. The license bell on your wrist is only effective for one day. If you don’t get out of here before midnight, you will be treated as an invader. Understand?”
”Yes, I understand.”
”There are five levels here. You are allowed to browse in areas at and under the musician level. If you go to the wrong place, you will also be dealt with by the little things, understand?”
”Uh, yes.” Ye Qingxuan had started doubting how ‘little’ those little things actually were.
”Do not damage the books and do not think about stealing. These little things treasure old ties and are very particular. If you anger them…you understand.”
”I understand,” Ye Qingxuan sighed. ”I’ll be dealt with, right?”