They huddled closely, weapons raised high, eyes fixed intently ahead. As the rumbling sound grew nearer, a giant figure gradually emerged from the mist. The silhouette was indistinct, but one could sense the formidable aura it exuded. Shen Jingqi's heart involuntarily quickened, and he gripped his sword tightly, ready to face the impending battle.

Just as the figure was about to approach them, it suddenly stopped. A deep growl emanated from the mist, as if warning them, or perhaps gauging their strength. Shen Jingqi shouted loudly, "We mean no harm, just passing through here in search of a mysterious force!" His voice echoed in the mist but received no response.

After a moment, the figure slowly retreated back into the mist. The three breathed a sigh of relief, but their spirits did not relax. They knew this was just the beginning, with more dangers awaiting them ahead.

They continued forward, cautiously with every step. Suddenly, Lin Yu stepped on a loose stone, sending it tumbling down with a crisp sound. In the silent environment, this sound was particularly jarring. Their nerves tightened, immediately on alert.

At that moment, the surrounding mist began to churn violently, as if stirred by unseen hands. Suddenly, countless black rays shot out from the mist, streaking toward them like arrows. Shen Jingqi shouted, "Watch out!" The three quickly dodged, but a few rays still grazed their bodies, leaving deep wounds.

"What is this?" Xu An shouted angrily. Shen Jingqi looked at his wound and said, "I don't know, but it's definitely related to this mountain. Stay alert, there might be more dangers hidden in this mist." They stood back-to-back, warily watching the swirling mist around them.

Suddenly, a giant vortex appeared in the mist, emitting a strong suction force. The three felt their bodies being drawn toward the vortex uncontrollably. They struggled desperately, but it was in vain. "Grab onto me!" Shen Jingqi shouted, reaching out to grab Xu An and Lin Yu's hands. They held on tightly, trying to resist the pull.

Just as they were about to be sucked into the vortex, Shen Jingqi suddenly remembered something. He pulled out a glowing jewel from his pocket, obtained from a mysterious place earlier. He didn't know what it was for, but had no choice but to try it. He raised the jewel high, and it emitted a dazzling light that countered the vortex's pull.

Gradually, the suction weakened, and the three finally broke free of the vortex's grip. They collapsed to the ground, panting heavily. "What was that?" Lin Yu asked in terror. Shen Jingqi shook his head, saying, "I don't know, but the secrets on this mountain are only multiplying. We must be even more careful."

They moved on, the suspense in their hearts growing heavier. What was that mysterious light? Was the force a blessing or a curse? What other dangers lay ahead? These questions loomed over them like shadows.

As they drew closer to the mountain peak, the temperature dropped markedly. Their breaths were visible in white mist, and they shivered uncontrollably. Suddenly, a narrow gorge appeared ahead, exuding an eerie aura.

"Should we go in?" Xu An asked hesitantly. Shen Jingqi looked at the gorge, also feeling a tinge of hesitation. But he knew it was the only path forward. "We have no choice, we must go in," he said firmly.

They tread cautiously into the gorge, each step echoing around them. Suddenly, countless red eyes appeared on the rocks on either side of the gorge, glowing with greed and malice. Shen Jingqi's heart tightened, "Be careful, something's watching us," he said.

His words had barely fallen when a group of black monsters leaped out from behind the rocks. These monsters, agile as leopards, charged at them with fangs bared and claws flailing. Shen Jingqi shouted, "Prepare for battle!" The three quickly formed a stance and engaged the monsters in fierce combat.

The monsters' attacks were exceptionally ferocious, their claws as sharp as blades, leaving wounds on the three with each strike. Shen Jingqi swung his sword, maneuvering among the monsters, filled with anger and determination. He was resolved to protect Xu An and Lin Yu, and to find that mysterious power.

The battle dragged on, their strength gradually waning. Just as they were about to collapse, Shen Jingqi shouted, "Focus your attacks!" The others followed his lead, targeting the monsters' eyes. The monsters roared in pain and retreated.

Seizing the opportunity, the three rushed out of the gorge. They looked back at the gorge, hearts filled with relief. But they knew it was only a temporary victory, with more challenges still awaiting them.

Finally, they reached the foot of the mountain. The strange light was even brighter, as if beckoning them. They looked up at the towering peak, hearts filled with awe and anticipation.

"We've finally arrived," Lin Yu said excitedly. Shen Jingqi nodded, "But this is just the beginning. We still don't know where that force is." They took a deep breath and started climbing the peak.

The mountain was steep and treacherous, each step a struggle. But they didn't give up, climbing steadily upward. Suddenly, a huge rock appeared ahead, blocking their path. Symbols etched on its surface emitted a mysterious aura.

"What do these symbols mean?" Xu An asked curiously. Shen Jingqi studied the symbols, filled with doubt. He sensed they were related to the mysterious force, but couldn't decipher them.

As they pondered, the environment around them suddenly changed. The once clear sky turned overcast, with strong winds howling through the peak. The strange light flickered unpredictably, as if about to vanish.

"What's happening?" Lin Yu exclaimed in fear. Shen Jingqi gripped his sword tightly, "I don't know, but we can't retreat. This might be the key to solving the mystery." They gathered in front of the rock, trying to unlock the symbols.

Suddenly, Shen Jingqi remembered the glowing jewel. He placed it on the symbols, and the jewel emitted a radiant light, resonating with the symbols. The rock slowly shifted, revealing a path to the mountain top.