Mountain and Sea Classic: The Forbidden Library's Secret Niu Ge Discovery

In the heart of a forgotten realm, nestled within the misty peaks of the Kunlun Mountains, there lay an ancient library known as the Forbidden Library. It was said that the books within its walls contained the secrets of the universe, the wisdom of the ages, and the forgotten lore of the ancient Chinese pantheon. Only the most daring and the most enlightened were allowed to seek knowledge within its sacred confines.

Among these seekers was a young hero named Niu Ge, a warrior of unparalleled strength and a heart full of curiosity. Niu Ge had heard tales of the Forbidden Library since childhood, tales of its magic and its mysteries. He knew that the journey to the library was fraught with peril, but his thirst for knowledge was insatiable.

One moonlit night, as the stars shone down upon the ancient path, Niu Ge set out on his quest. His companions were few—only a wise old sage and a clever fox spirit named Li Si, who had the gift of speech and could change shape at will. Together, they ventured into the unknown, guided by whispers of the wind and the glow of lanterns that appeared before them as if by magic.

The Forbidden Library was not as grand as the great palaces of the emperors, nor as magnificent as the temples of the gods. It was a modest structure, hidden away from the eyes of the world, its walls inscribed with runes that glowed faintly in the darkness. Niu Ge felt a shiver run down his spine as he approached the entrance, his heart pounding with anticipation.

As they stepped inside, the air grew cooler, and the walls seemed to pulse with an ancient energy. The sage whispered, "Beware, for the knowledge you seek is not to be taken lightly. It will change you, perhaps even change the world."

Niu Ge nodded, his resolve unshaken. They moved deeper into the library, the walls growing older, the air thick with the scent of ancient parchment. They passed by towering shelves filled with books of all shapes and sizes, their covers etched with symbols that seemed to dance and flicker in the dim light.

After what felt like an eternity, they reached a vast chamber. The sage pointed to a massive stone door that seemed to be carved from the very mountains themselves. "This is the door to the heart of the library, the place where the most powerful and forbidden knowledge is kept."

Niu Ge reached for the door, feeling the coolness seep through his fingers. He took a deep breath and pushed. The door groaned and swung open, revealing a dimly lit corridor that seemed to stretch into infinity. The sage stepped back, his eyes wide with concern.

"Be careful," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "The knowledge you seek is powerful, and it will test your very soul."

Niu Ge, feeling the weight of his destiny upon his shoulders, stepped forward. He walked down the corridor, the walls whispering secrets of the past, the future, and the unknown. At the end of the corridor, he found a single book, its cover glowing with an otherworldly light.

He opened it, and the pages seemed to move on their own, telling stories of ancient heroes, monsters, and gods. He read of the dragon that could change the seasons, the phoenix that could bring eternal life, and the demon that could shatter the very fabric of reality.

As he read, Niu Ge felt himself changing. His hair turned white, his eyes grew deep and knowing, and he felt a connection to the ancient world that had been lost for centuries. He knew that he had become more than a mere warrior; he had become a guardian of the ancient lore.

Suddenly, the sage and Li Si appeared at his side. "You have done well, Niu Ge," the sage said, his voice filled with pride. "The knowledge you have gained is immense, but it comes with great responsibility."

Niu Ge nodded, his eyes reflecting the wisdom of the ages. "I understand, sage. I will use this knowledge wisely, for the sake of all who seek knowledge."

With the knowledge of the Forbidden Library now within him, Niu Ge stepped back into the world. He knew that his journey was far from over, that there were still many mysteries to uncover, and that he was now a part of the ancient tapestry of Chinese mythology.

And so, the legend of Niu Ge, the hero who discovered the secrets of the Forbidden Library, would be told for generations to come, a tale of adventure, knowledge, and the enduring power of the ancient lore that binds us all.