The End of the World: Chaos

"Red Skull," Yang Yi took a deep breath, suppressed the fluctuations in his heart, and looked at him clearly, "You said that the soul gem needs a price. Is that the reason why I came here?"

The Red Skull's eyes were cold and deep, as if they could penetrate Yang Yi's soul. He slowly spoke: "That's right. The Soul Gem is an ancient and powerful existence. The price required by those who pursue it is not a simple calculation of one soul for another. Everyone who sets foot here must pay an equivalent price for what they seek."

Yang Yi frowned slightly, thinking to himself: Is it really necessary to pay such a heavy price to find the true self? Although he hesitated for a moment, the thought quickly vanished. He knew that he had no way out.

"In that case, Red Skull, please lead me." There was a firm look in his eyes, and his tone was like thunder, unwavering.

The Red Skull stopped and stared at Yang Yi, his eyes flashing with a rare concern: "Are you really ready?"

"I have never been so determined." Yang Yi lowered his head, took a deep breath to calm his heart, then walked with his head held high, his eyes bright as torches, "Even if the road ahead is long, I will never retreat again."

The Red Skull nodded, with a look of relief on his face, and then opened a path leading to the abyss. Behind him was layer upon layer of fog, and only the direction of the Soul Gem could be vaguely seen. Yang Yi followed behind, feeling uneasy, but also a little expectant.

The two of them walked in the void space. The Red Skull looked back from time to time, inquiring about Yang Yi's expression. The silence seemed to contain a test, and it seemed to convey a deep understanding.

"Do you know why my soul was chosen?" Yang Yi suddenly broke the silence, his voice flowing like water in the endless darkness.

Red Skull replied slowly: "The choice of soul gem is often closely related to personal experience, emotions and inner desires. Your soul contains deep secrets."

"Secret?" Yang Yi couldn't help but laugh, but a wave of emotion surged in his heart, "I am just an ordinary person. How can I have such an earth-shattering secret?"

"Normal is often just an appearance." Red Skull said in a deep voice, "Perhaps you don't really understand what you desire deep in your heart."

They continued forward, and endless time seemed to flow in the darkness. At this moment, Yang Yi asked again: "Red Skull, how do you view life and death?"

The Red Skull's eyes flickered, and he seemed to be lost in thought. He whispered, "To me, life is an endless cycle, and death is nothingness. However, you, my friend, are a special existence. Even if you step into the realm of the Soul Stone, you still have the right to choose."

Yang Yi recalled his past struggles and meaningless abandonment, and a determination ignited in his heart: "I don't want to escape anymore. I want to hold on to my life and explore deeper meaning."

The Red Skull nodded, adding a bit of approval to his tone: "You have embarked on an unusual journey. Remember, the whole process will be full of challenges. The power of the Soul Stone is not something that everyone can withstand."

"I will do my best." Yang Yi was determined and continued to move forward. He felt that the bond between him and the Soul Gem was getting closer and closer.

At this moment, a faint light flashed in the darkness ahead, and gradually became brighter. Yang Yi and Red Skull's pace also accelerated unconsciously. He could feel an irresistible force surging in his heart, echoing in the deepest part of his soul.

"We've arrived." Red Skull stopped and stared at the light ahead with burning eyes, "This is the core of the Soul Gem."

Yang Yi took a deep breath and looked at the dazzling light, feeling mixed emotions. His soul was attracted by the power he had never experienced before, but he was also a little afraid. The soul gem carried endless power, but it also meant unpredictable variables.

"Now, you must make a choice." The Red Skull's voice sounded, "Here, you can choose to let the Soul Stone give you power, or... give up this opportunity."

Yang Yi's heart was filled with ups and downs. He was silent for a long time. Finally, he spread his hands and said firmly: "I choose to accept it. I am willing to bear any price and pursue the truth I desire."

The Red Skull stared into Yang Yi's eyes for a long time before revealing a hint of a smile: "This is a brave choice. May the power of the soul be with you."

As he finished speaking, the Soul Gem gradually revealed its shape from the light. It was a dazzling and mysterious gem, containing endless power and unknown. Yang Yi vaguely felt a resonance deep in his soul, as if this gem was inextricably linked to himself.

"Are you ready to face the arrival of destiny?" asked the Red Skull, with anticipation in his eyes.

"Yes, everything is ready." Yang Yi responded, then stretched out his hand and approached the Soul Gem, his heart full of anticipation and anxiety.