Whispers of the Peach Blossom: The Final Anki

The air was heavy with the scent of blooming peach blossoms, a sweet yet fleeting reminder of life's transient nature. In the ancient city of Jinglong, nestled between rolling hills and a winding river, the Grand Library stood as a beacon of knowledge, its spires piercing the heavens. Within its vast halls, a hidden chamber lay, protected by an ancient seal that whispered secrets to those who dared to listen.

Anki, the guardian of the Immortal Peach, had long been a figure of legend and mystery. His story was one of great power and even greater betrayal. The peach, an artifact of immense significance, was said to grant its possessor eternal life. Anki had been tasked with safeguarding it, but whispers of a hidden legacy suggested there was more to his tale.

As dawn approached, the city awoke to the sound of a single drumbeat. It was the signal for a grand assembly, an event that only occurred once every hundred years. The citizens of Jinglong gathered in the central square, their eyes reflecting the anticipation of a new revelation.

Amid the crowd stood a young woman named Liyue, her gaze fixed on the entrance of the Grand Library. She was no ordinary citizen; Liyue was an heir to the throne, a position that came with great responsibility and the constant threat of betrayal. Her mother, the current ruler, had been a close confidante of Anki, and it was Liyue who was chosen to uncover the hidden legacy.

The library doors creaked open, revealing a procession led by the Archivist, an elderly man whose eyes were as sharp as a falcon's. Behind him walked a tall, imposing figure cloaked in shadows. The crowd gasped as they recognized him—the last known descendant of Anki.

"Welcome, Liyue," the Archivist said, his voice a mix of reverence and caution. "You are the chosen one. Today, we shall reveal the final secret of Anki's legacy."

Liyue took a deep breath and stepped forward. She was approached by the descendant, a man with eyes like the peach blossoms she had just admired. His name was Ming, and his presence was as enigmatic as the secret he held.

"In the heart of the Immortal Peach," Ming began, "lies a hidden power. It is the source of Anki's immense strength, but it is also a burden that has driven him to the brink of madness. To wield this power, one must make a choice that will alter the fate of our realm."

Liyue listened, her heart pounding. "What choice?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Choose life or choose death," Ming replied. "The power of the Immortal Peach is eternal, but it demands a sacrifice. To keep it, you must kill a close relative. Your decision will determine the destiny of Jinglong."

The words hung in the air, a heavy weight upon Liyue's shoulders. She looked to the crowd, her eyes reflecting the terror and hope in their faces. She turned back to Ming. "Tell me more," she said, her voice steady despite the chaos within.

Ming continued, "Anki made the choice, and it led to his downfall. He was consumed by the power, and the realm was plunged into darkness. The seal that protects this chamber is the only thing that keeps the peach's power from being unleashed once more."

Liyue's mind raced. She knew that her decision would have far-reaching consequences. If she chose life, she would betray her own blood and face the wrath of her people. If she chose death, she would become the next Anki, a being of immense power and immense risk.

As the sun climbed higher, the crowd grew restless. Liyue felt the weight of the decision pressing down upon her. She knew that the time for talk was over; the moment of truth had arrived.

"I choose death," she declared, her voice echoing through the chamber. The crowd gasped, their shock giving way to a mix of awe and fear.

Ming nodded, his eyes softening. "Then let us proceed. The peach shall be yours, but remember, the path of the Immortal Peach is fraught with danger."

The Archivist approached Liyue, extending a hand. "Come with me, Princess," he said. "The peach awaits your touch."

Liyue took the hand, her resolve firm. As she reached for the peach, the seal shattered, and the chamber filled with a blinding light. When the light faded, the peach was in her hand, its surface glowing with an otherworldly energy.

Ming stepped forward, his expression solemn. "Remember, Princess, the power of the Immortal Peach is not just a gift; it is a curse. Use it wisely, and may the realm be saved."

Liyue nodded, her gaze fixed on the peach. She knew that her choice had sealed her fate, but she also knew that the future of Jinglong rested in her hands. With a deep breath, she turned to the door, ready to face whatever lay beyond the threshold of the Grand Library.

As she stepped out into the sunlight, the people of Jinglong cheered her on, their voices a testament to the courage she had found within herself. The path of the Immortal Peach was a dangerous one, but Liyue was ready to walk it, for the sake of her people and the legacy of Anki.

The peach blossom petals fluttered to the ground, a symbol of the delicate balance between life and death, between the known and the unknown. In the heart of Jinglong, a new era began, and with it, the legend of Liyue, the last Anki, was born.