The male protagonist of the book is poisonous

We walked along the winding path, sunlight filtering through the leaves, creating patches of light that fell to the ground like scattered gold. The surrounding forest was lush and verdant, its branches intertwined like giant green umbrellas, shielding us from the sun. Each tree stood silently like a loyal guardian, witnessing the passage of time. Birds sang joyfully in the branches, their clear voices like celestial music, as if cheering on our recent victory in obtaining the artifact fragment. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, creating a gentle symphony, a harmonious and beautiful sound, like nature's celebration of our victory. But Luo Chen and I both knew this was only the beginning; more challenges lay ahead.

"The next marked location is in a valley. The map shows some strange markings in that valley. I wonder what awaits us." Luo Chen frowned as he looked at the map. The map was drawn on ancient paper, the edges already yellowed, and the paper was slightly wrinkled, as if telling of the long years it had gone through. The lines and markings on the map were a little blurry, requiring careful identification to see clearly. Luo Chen's eyes were focused and serious. His fingers gently slid across the map, as if he was touching the mysterious outline of the valley. Every subtle movement was filled with caution, as if he was exploring the secrets hidden in the valley through the contact of his fingers with the map.

I took a deep breath of fresh air and said, "No matter what, we can overcome it, just like we did in the cave." As I spoke, I clenched my fists, giving myself a pep talk. Although I felt a little nervous, I was filled with a firm belief. I looked forward with determination, as if I could already see us successfully overcoming future challenges.

After several hours of trekking, we arrived at the valley's entrance. A faint mist shrouded the valley, a mysterious purple hue, as if cast under a spell. The mist flowed gently, like soft silk dancing in the wind, yet it felt elusive. The valley's entrance was surrounded by massive rocks of varying shapes. Some resembled crouching beasts, their postures vivid and lifelike, as if poised to awaken from their slumber at any moment; others resembled eagles, their wings spread, ready to soar into the sky, as if guarding the valley's secrets.

"This fog looks unusual," I said warily. My eyes were fixed on the purple mist, trying to discern what lay behind it. My gaze was filled with vigilance, picking up on every subtle change, like a small animal sniffing out danger.

"Well, it's best to be careful." Luo Chen gripped his sword tightly and took the lead in entering the valley. His steps were steady and firm, each one a test of the valley's strength. His footsteps landed on the ground, making a slight sound. In this quiet valley entrance, the sound was particularly clear, as if he was speaking to the valley, a challenge.

As soon as we entered the valley, a chill hit us. It was unlike the bone-chilling chill of the cave, but a mysterious chill that seemed to penetrate the soul. The purple mist thickened around us, and we could only see a few steps ahead. The mist swirled around us, like living spirits at play, gently touching our skin, bringing a chill and strange feeling. It felt like countless cold needles gently pricking our skin, making us shiver.

"Luo Chen, we can't get separated." I reached out and grabbed the corner of his shirt. My hands trembled slightly, not because of fear, but because the unknown environment made me instinctively want to hold on to something. My fingers tightly grasped the corner of his shirt, as if grasping at a last straw.

"Don't worry, I won't leave you." Luo Chen turned around and gave me a reassuring look. His eyes were filled with confidence and protectiveness, like the warm sun on a winter's day, which made my nervous heart relax a little. His eyes were firm and warm, giving me an invisible strength, making me believe that as long as he was there, we could face any danger.

Suddenly, a melodious flute note emanated from the depths of the mist. The sound was ethereal and melodious, as if emanating from a distant fairyland. Each note was like a spirit dancing through the air, imbued with a captivating magic. The flute's sound reverberated through the valley, seemingly blending with the surrounding mist, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. The sound flowed like the gurgling of water, caressing every corner like a gentle breeze.

"This flute sound... so beautiful, yet a little eerie," I murmured. My ears were drawn to the sound, as if pulled by an invisible force, seeking its source. My heart was filled with conflict. On the one hand, I was intoxicated by the beautiful sound, but on the other, I was worried about its unknown source.

"Let's see what's going on first." Luo Chen pulled me toward the sound of the flute. Our steps were light, as if we were afraid to disturb the mysterious sound. We leaned forward slightly, our feet lifted and lowered cautiously, each step filled with caution, as if we were entering an unknown dream.

As we approached, the flute's sound grew clearer, and the surrounding mist began to transform into various shapes. Some resembled dancing fairies, their figures graceful and graceful, their sleeves fluttering in the wind, as if they were soaring through the mist. The fairies' faces were delicate and beautiful, their eyes gleaming with a lively light, as if telling us something. Others resembled ferocious beasts, their fangs bared, their eyes gleaming with a fierce glint, as if ready to pounce on their prey. The beasts' forms were lifelike, their hair standing upright, each strand clearly visible, and their roars seemed to break through the confines of the mist. These mist-formed images felt as if they were real, transporting us to a place between fantasy and reality.

"What's going on? Is this an illusion?" I asked, somewhat panicked. My eyes darted back and forth between the shifting images, my heart filled with confusion and unease. My heartbeat began to accelerate, my breathing became rapid, and I was at a loss for what to do in the face of this sudden and bizarre sight.

"It's very possible, but don't be fooled by it." Luo Chen stared intently at the misty images. His eyes, sharp as an eagle's, tried to see through the truth behind the illusion. His gaze was firm and focused, unperturbed by the surrounding scene. His body was slightly tense, ready to respond to any possible danger.

Just then, a figure in a white robe appeared before us. His features were obscured by the mist, making them hard to discern, but a transcendental aura emanated from him. He held a jade flute and continued to play the melodious melody. His posture was upright and graceful, his white robes fluttering in the mist, like an immortal descending to earth. Every movement was filled with grace and ease, as if he were one with the valley and the mist, a part of this mysterious world.

"Who are you? Why have you invaded my valley?" the figure demanded, his voice as ethereal as the sound of his flute. The voice echoed through the valley, carrying an undeniable majesty. It seemed to come from a distant horizon, yet it reached our ears clearly, as if an invisible force compelled us to answer.

Luo Chen stepped forward and said, "We are here to save our sect and are searching for artifact fragments. We mean no offense." Luo Chen's voice was steady and resolute, his gaze fixed squarely on the white figure, unflinching. His voice echoed through the valley, filled with a firm conviction, as if his words could penetrate the mist and reach the figure's heart.

"Artifact fragments? You can't just take anything from this valley." The figure's tone was a hint of warning. He raised the jade flute in his hand slightly, as if to emphasize his words. His movement was slight, but it gave us a strong sense of oppression, as if he could bring us great danger with just a flick of the jade flute.

"We must obtain the fragments to prevent an evil force from destroying the world," I explained hastily. My voice was a touch anxious, for I knew that if I couldn't convince this mysterious figure, our search for the artifact fragments might be over. My eyes were fixed on the white figure, filled with sincerity and expectation, hoping he would understand our mission.

The figure was silent for a moment, then slowly lowered the jade flute. "I've also heard of the evil forces you speak of. But I've guarded the artifact fragments in this valley for years. If I give them to you, and if they're taken by evildoers, the consequences will be disastrous." His tone hinted at concern. Though his face remained shrouded in mist, one could sense he was seriously considering our words. His body swayed slightly, as if he were weighing the pros and cons, his white robe swaying gently with his movements, like a flowing cloud.

"We will definitely protect it and won't let it fall into the hands of evildoers," Luo Chen said sincerely. His eyes were filled with sincerity, making people believe his words involuntarily. His eyes were like bright stars, flashing with a determined light that seemed to dispel the surrounding fog, revealing his inner determination.

"How can I trust you?" the figure questioned. He leaned forward slightly, as if awaiting our response. His gaze pierced through the mist, fixed on us, as if searching for the answer in our expressions and eyes.

I pulled out the artifact fragment I'd obtained earlier and said, "This is the artifact fragment we just obtained. We've overcome numerous difficulties and are truly capable of protecting the other fragments." I held the fragment carefully, and it shimmered faintly under the purple mist. My movements were gentle and cautious, as if I were holding the most precious treasure in the world, afraid to damage it with a single careless move.

The figure carefully examined the fragment in my hand, seemingly contemplating something. After a moment, he said, "In that case, I can give you a test. If you can pass it, I will give you the artifact fragment in the valley."

"What test?" Luo Chen asked. His expression grew serious, knowing this was a crucial step in obtaining the fragment. He straightened his body slightly, his eyes filled with anticipation and nervousness, waiting for the white figure to reveal the content of the test.

"This valley contains a maze filled with various traps and mechanisms. You must find the center of the maze and return safely within one hour. If you exceed the time limit or fail, you must leave the valley and never return," the figure explained. He waved his hand gently, seemingly indicating the direction of the maze. His movements were graceful and mysterious, giving the impression that he knew the maze intimately, as if he had created it himself.

Luo Chen and I looked at each other and saw determination in each other's eyes.

"Alright, we accept the test," Luo Chen said without hesitation. His voice echoed through the valley, brimming with determination. His words were like an oath, firm and powerful, as if declaring our resolve to the valley and to the white figure.

The figure waved his sleeve gently, and the surrounding mist dissipated slightly, revealing a vast stone maze before us. Its walls towered into the sky, constructed from massive blocks of stone, each covered in strange patterns that looked ancient and mysterious. Some resembled mysterious runes, their complex, winding lines seemingly imbued with boundless power; others resembled bizarre creatures, each with its own distinct form: a winged serpent, a multi-headed monster, each seemingly telling a story of ancient times. Every stone exuded an air of antiquity, as if it had stood here for millennia.

"Now, the timer begins," the figure said, and began playing the flute again. The flute sounded again, as if counting down the time for our test. The rhythm of the flute seemed to be somehow connected to the passage of time, each note like the footsteps of time, reminding us of the urgency of time.