A Powerful Ally

The mysterious woman stood before Lian Qing and his companions, her face shrouded in shadow. She was a figure of mystery, her origins unknown, her motives unclear.

But Lian Qing knew that she was powerful, and that she could help them defeat the darkness.

"How can you help us?" he asked.

The woman smiled, a cryptic and enigmatic smile. "I can help you break the barrier and obtain the artifact."

Lian Qing's heart raced with excitement. The artifact was the key to defeating the darkness, and if the woman could help them obtain it, then they might have a chance.

"How?" Lian Qing asked.

The woman hesitated for a moment, as if weighing her words carefully. "I require something from you in return," she said.

Lian Qing's eyes narrowed. "What do you want?"

The woman's voice grew cold. "I want your loyalty."

Lian Qing was taken aback. He had never been asked to pledge his loyalty to anyone before.

"What do you mean?" he asked.

The woman's eyes bored into his. "I mean that you must swear to serve me, and me alone. You must follow my orders without question."

Lian Qing hesitated. He knew that the woman was powerful, and that she could help them defeat the darkness. But he was not willing to give up his freedom.

"I cannot pledge my loyalty to you," he said.

The woman's expression darkened. "Then you will die."

Lian Qing knew that she was serious. He had no choice.

With a heavy heart, he said, "I swear."

The woman smiled. "Good. Now, follow me."

She turned and walked towards the barrier. Lian Qing and his companions followed, their hearts filled with a mixture of fear and hope.

The woman raised her hand, and a surge of energy flowed from her. The barrier shimmered and rippled, then began to fade.

With a gasp of astonishment, Lian Qing and his companions watched as the barrier disappeared. The way was clear.

They rushed forward, their hearts pounding with excitement. They had finally reached the artifact.

As they approached it, the artifact began to glow with an intense light. A powerful energy field surrounded it, protecting it from harm.

But the woman was ready. She raised her hand, and a surge of energy flowed from her, countering the artifact's protective field.

With a final push, Lian Qing and his companions managed to break through the field. They reached out and grasped the artifact, their hands trembling with excitement.

They had done it. They had obtained the artifact.

But as they turned to leave the temple, they heard a chilling sound. It was a growl, deep and menacing.

They turned around and saw a monstrous creature emerging from the shadows. It was a beast of pure darkness, its eyes glowing with an evil light.

Lian Qing and his companions knew they were in grave danger. The final battle had begun.