The golden light in the chamber slowly faded, leaving behind an air of solemnity. The Imperial Seal hovered quietly atop the bronze pillar, its soft glow radiating an undeniable sense of power and history.

  Noah held the seal close to his chest, stepping back cautiously. Li Lian stood beside him, her hands trembling slightly, but she clenched her teeth, ready to fight until the end. Xiaolong stood between them, his sharp eyes locked on the enemy, letting out a low growl of warning.

  Not far ahead, Kane walked forward slowly. His polished shoes echoed against the bronze floor with each step. A cold smile crept onto his face—a smile of confidence, of absolute control.

  Behind him, a dozen armed men in black stood in formation. Each of them held guns that gleamed coldly under the dim light. Standing closest to Kane was his right-hand man—a tall, muscular figure with a harsh expression. He gripped a black rifle tightly, his gaze fixed on Noah.

  "Very good. Very, very good." Kane's voice was low and slow, but filled with menace. "Your little adventure ends here, kids. Hand over the seal, and maybe I'll let you live."

  Noah lifted his chin, staring Kane straight in the eye. His young but determined gaze did not waver.

  "The seal doesn't belong to you. It doesn't belong to anyone. It is history, and I will never let it fall into your hands."

  Kane let out a slow, mocking clap. "What a touching speech. But it's useless. Do you really think two children can stop me?" He flicked his hand. Instantly, his men stepped forward, raising their guns at Noah and Li Lian.

  "Give it to me." Kane's voice turned cold.

  "Run!" Noah shouted, grabbing Li Lian’s hand as they dove behind a bronze statue. Gunfire erupted, bullets ricocheting off the metal with sharp, ear-piercing sounds.

  The chamber filled with chaos. The armed men took strategic positions, surrounding Noah and Li Lian in a tight formation. The sound of gunshots echoed off the bronze walls, shaking the ancient chamber.

  A bullet grazed Noah's shoulder, and a sharp pain shot through his body. Blood soaked into his shirt, but he gritted his teeth and pressed forward.

  "Hold on! We can’t let them get closer!" Noah shouted, picking up a broken piece of the statue and hurling it at one of the attackers. The rock struck the man’s wrist, making his gun fall to the ground.

  "There are too many! They have guns—we can't fight them!" Li Lian cried, trying to push over a pillar to block the enemy’s advance.

  Xiaolong lunged at a man sneaking up on them, sinking his teeth into the attacker’s arm, forcing him to retreat.

  "Surround them! Don't leave any gaps!" Kane’s right-hand man barked.

  The cover protecting Noah and Li Lian was crumbling. Bullets whizzed past them, barely missing their heads. Noah struggled to stand, kicking over a heavy bronze fragment to block an advancing attacker.

  Kane took slow, deliberate steps forward, a black pistol in his hand. He aimed it at Noah, his expression one of twisted satisfaction.

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  "It’s over, boy." His voice was calm but filled with deadly certainty. "You think you're a hero? You're just a kid. Remember, you will never win against me."

  Noah shielded Li Lian behind him, refusing to back down. His eyes burned with defiance.

  "Even if that’s true, I will never let you win!"

  Kane chuckled darkly, pressing his finger against the trigger.

  "Goodbye."

  Just as he was about to fire—

  "DROP YOUR WEAPONS! POLICE!"

  A thunderous voice shook the chamber.

  At the entrance, dozens of armed police officers stormed inside. The leader, wearing a dark uniform, held up a badge and shouted, "You are surrounded! Drop your weapons and put your hands in the air!"

  The gunfire stopped. Kane’s men hesitated, turning their heads toward the entrance.

  The police leader stepped forward, eyes locked onto Kane. "I am Captain Zhang from the Xi’an Police Department. We have been tracking your activities. Surrender now!"

  Kane’s face darkened. He narrowed his eyes. "You Chinese police sure love to interfere." He waved his hand, barking, "Shoot them! Take them down!"

  His men immediately turned their guns toward the officers, and a fierce battle erupted.

  The police held their ground, shields raised, and fired precise shots. Kane’s forces, caught off guard, were quickly overwhelmed. The air was filled with smoke, shouts, and the ringing of bullets.

  One officer rushed toward Kane, shouting, "You have nowhere left to run! Drop your gun!"

  Kane laughed bitterly, aiming at the officer. But before he could fire, another policeman shot the gun out of his hand. The pistol clattered to the floor.

  Kane clutched his injured hand, his face twisted in rage and disbelief.

  "It’s over, Kane." The police leader approached, his voice steady and firm. Officers rushed in, pinning Kane to the ground and securing him in handcuffs.

  "You are under arrest for multiple international crimes!"

  The battle was over. Smoke lingered in the air, but the danger had passed. The armed men were forced to the ground, their weapons confiscated.

  Noah leaned against the statue, breathing heavily. His wounded shoulder ached, but his eyes never left Kane, who was now helplessly restrained.

  Li Lian stood beside him, her face pale, but her hands no longer trembled.

  Footsteps echoed through the chamber. From the entrance, a familiar voice called out.

  "Grandfather!" Li Lian gasped.

  Professor Li walked in, his eyes filled with concern. He hurried toward them, his gaze immediately falling on Noah’s wound. "Let me see your injury."

  "It’s nothing serious," Noah managed a weak smile. He looked up at Professor Li, his eyes filled with questions. "The police… you called them?"

  The professor nodded. "Yes, Noah. When Li Lian sent me a message, I knew you two couldn’t fight Kane alone."

  Li Lian lowered her head. "I’m sorry, Noah. I didn’t tell you. I just didn’t want you to take all the risk alone."

  Noah looked at her, then at the professor. Slowly, he nodded. "Thank you. If you hadn’t come, we might not have survived."

  The professor placed a hand on Noah’s shoulder. "The Imperial Seal belongs to China. You did the right thing protecting it."

  A Few Days Later – The National Museum of China

  In a grand hall filled with reporters, Noah carefully handed the Imperial Seal to the museum curator. His fingers trembled slightly, but his heart was filled with pride.

  "This is part of China’s history. Please protect it."

  The curator took the seal with deep reverence. "Thank you, Noah. You didn’t just go on an adventure. You protected something priceless."

  Applause filled the room. Noah looked around, feeling both overwhelmed and deeply honored.

  At the boarding gate, Noah stood with Xiaolong in his arms. The little corgi’s ears drooped, sensing the upcoming farewell.

  Li Lian hesitated before asking, "Are you really leaving?"

  Noah smiled gently. "This adventure is over. My job here is done." He looked out the window at the runway. "But I have a feeling… this is just the beginning."

  李莲走近一步，低声说：“我会来看你的。

  登机公告响起。诺亚把小龙放下，抓起他的皮带，转身朝大门走去。在走上前前，他带着温暖的微笑向她挥手。

  “再见，李莲。”

  李莲挥手回应，眼中闪烁着未流下的泪水。

  飞机升空时，诺亚低声说：“再见，中国。

  冒险已经结束了。

  但在内心深处，他知道——另一个正在等待开始。

  结束。