A deep tremor shook the chamber as the massive stone doors of the Celestial Vault slowly creaked open. Mei Lin and Li Sheng braced themselves, their eyes locked on the darkness beyond. A gust of ancient air swept through, carrying the scent of old parchment, metal, and something oddly familiar—like forgotten power waiting to be awakened.
The Guardian stepped aside, his golden eyes calm. "The Vault recognizes your strength. You may enter."
Li Sheng's grip on his sword tightened. "Be careful," he murmured to Mei Lin as they stepped inside.
The moment they crossed the threshold, the torches along the walls flared to life, illuminating a breathtaking sight—an enormous chamber lined with towering bookshelves, each filled with ancient scrolls and jade tablets. At the center of the chamber sat a pedestal, holding a single golden chest engraved with intricate celestial patterns.
Mei Lin's heart pounded. This was it.
She stepped closer, her fingers hovering over the chest's cool surface. Before she could touch it, a sudden surge of energy pulsed through the air. A booming voice echoed across the chamber:
"Only the rightful heir may unlock the Vault."
Mei Lin staggered back as golden runes lit up along the floor, forming a swirling pattern beneath her feet. She gasped as a flood of unfamiliar memories rushed into her mind—visions of a grand palace, an emperor's decree, a woman in royal robes hiding a newborn child…
Her own face reflected in the infant's eyes.
"No… That can't be…" Mei Lin's breath hitched.
Li Sheng caught her arm. "What is it?"
She clutched her chest, trying to steady her erratic heartbeat. The truth struck her like lightning.
"I… I think I was born of royal blood," she whispered. "The Celestial Vault… it was meant for me."
The Guardian nodded slowly, his eyes filled with knowing.
"You were never meant to be an ordinary healer, Mei Lin," he said. "You carry the bloodline of the lost Celestial Empress. The Vault has waited for your return."
Li Sheng's eyes widened. "The Celestial Empress… that means…"
Mei Lin stared at the golden chest, her hands trembling. If this was true, then her life in the modern world had not been her first life. She had been reborn not just as a doctor—but as the rightful heir to a long-forgotten throne.
But before she could even process this revelation, a sharp metallic clang echoed through the chamber.
The doors of the Vault slammed shut behind them.
A figure cloaked in black emerged from the shadows, his voice dripping with venom.
"So, the lost heir has finally awakened."
Mei Lin's pulse skyrocketed.
They were not alone.