Dragon's Eye Chronicles: Unveiling the Legacy( LOST TOMB FANFICTION)

Chapter 11: A Shifting Alliance

Chapter 11: A Shifting Alliance

Relief washed over Wu Xie in a wave so powerful it nearly knocked him off his feet. The rhythmic beat of the helicopter blades promised a lifeline, a potential escape from the relentless attackers. But amidst the elation, a seed of doubt took root.

The attackers, upon seeing the helicopter, faltered for a moment. Then, with surprising swiftness, they pulled smoke bombs from their pockets, creating a thick cloud that obscured their movements. Taking advantage of the confusion, they melted back into the shadows, disappearing as quickly as they had appeared.

The helicopter descended, its powerful searchlight cutting through the smoke. It hovered above them for a tense moment before a voice boomed down through a loudspeaker.

"This is a private operation. Identify yourselves or face immediate termination."

Wu Xie exchanged a wary glance with Yuchen, both their faces etched with suspicion. Who were these newcomers? Were they allies or simply another group vying for the secrets of the lost city?

"We're explorers!" Wu Xie yelled back, his voice hoarse from the fight. "We're under attack! Help us!"

The silence stretched for another agonizing moment before the helicopter lowered a winch line. With no other choice, Wu Xie helped Yuchen and the injured Pan Ziwen onto the platform suspended below. As they were hoisted into the helicopter, Wu Xie couldn't help but steal a glance back at the mountain pass. The smoke had cleared, revealing nothing but the jagged rocks and the encroaching darkness.

Inside the helicopter, a group of three figures awaited them. Two men, clad in black tactical gear, stood flanking a woman with an air of quiet authority. Her gaze was sharp and assessing as she surveyed them.

"Who are you?" Yuchen demanded, his voice gruff despite the throbbing pain in his shoulder.

The woman remained silent for a moment, her eyes flitting between them. "We are affiliated with a private organization," she finally replied, her voice cool and measured. "We monitor unusual activity in remote areas. You, gentlemen, fit the bill."

"Unusual activity?" Wu Xie scoffed. "We were just attacked by a group of... well, we don't even know who they were!"

The woman raised an eyebrow. "Indeed. Which is precisely why we're interested in your story." She gestured towards Pan Ziwen, who sat hunched over in a corner, clutching his side. "And especially you, old man. Your expertise in these matters seems... extensive."

Pan Ziwen winced, his face contorted in a mixture of pain and defiance. "I don't know what you're talking about," he rasped, his voice weak.

Wu Xie, sensing an opportunity, stepped forward. "We're searching for a lost city," he admitted, his voice firm. "This map," he held up the parchment they had retrieved from the Jade Emperor's Tomb, "points the way."

The woman's eyes widened for a fleeting moment before regaining their composure. "A lost city, you say? Interesting."

A tense silence descended upon the helicopter cabin. Wu Xie and Yuchen exchanged nervous glances. They had stumbled upon a new power player in this dangerous game, an organization with unknown motives.

"We may have a proposition for you," the woman continued, her voice laced with a hint of intrigue. "But first, you need to understand the bigger picture. The lost city you seek... it holds secrets that could rewrite history. And there are others who would stop at nothing to claim those secrets for themselves."

Intrigue warred with caution within Wu Xie. This woman offered assistance, but at what cost? Was this an opportunity to reach the lost city, or a trap leading them deeper into an unknown web of deceit?

The helicopter continued its journey, the rhythmic thump of the blades echoing through the darkness. Wu Xie knew they were at a crossroads. A decision loomed, and the fate of their expedition, perhaps even the fate of the lost city itself, hung in the balance.