The Whispering Walls of the Ancient Dormitory

In the heart of the ancient city of Chang'an, nestled among the remnants of a bygone era, stood the College of the Moonlit Shadows. This institution, once a beacon of wisdom and learning, had seen better days. The buildings, with their moss-covered walls and creaking windows, whispered tales of yore to any who dared to listen. Among the students, whispers of the dormitory number 13 were as common as the wind that rustled through the old trees outside. It was said that the walls of this dormitory had the ability to speak, and that the voices of the past were trapped within them, yearning to be heard.

Zhang Hua, a young and ambitious student, had been drawn to the College of the Moonlit Shadows by the allure of its storied past. She was eager to uncover the secrets that lay hidden within its walls, and the whispering dormitory was at the top of her list. With her notebook in hand and her curiosity piqued, Zhang ventured into the dimly lit corridors, her footsteps echoing through the empty halls.

The dormitory was a labyrinth of narrow rooms, each with its own story. Zhang pushed open the creaky door of room 13 and stepped inside. The air was thick with the scent of old wood and dust, and the walls seemed to close in on her as if they were alive. She could feel the eyes of the past watching her, a chill running down her spine.

As she explored the room, Zhang noticed strange symbols etched into the walls. They were unlike anything she had ever seen, and she couldn't help but feel a strange connection to them. She traced the symbols with her fingers, and as she did, she heard a faint whisper, almost like the wind, but with a voice behind it.

"Who dares to disturb my slumber?" the voice hissed, and Zhang jumped back, nearly dropping her notebook.

"I... I'm Zhang Hua," she stammered, her voice trembling. "I'm a student here. I didn't mean to intrude."

The whispering stopped, and Zhang took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. She decided to follow the voice, hoping it would lead her to the truth she sought. She followed the sound to the back of the room, where a large, ornate mirror stood. The mirror was unlike any she had ever seen, with intricate carvings and a faint glow emanating from within.

As Zhang approached the mirror, she felt a strange pull, as if the mirror was calling to her. She reached out and touched it, and the image within began to shift. She saw a vision of the dormitory as it had been centuries ago, filled with students in ancient attire. They were laughing, studying, and living their lives, unaware of the secrets that lay hidden within the walls.

The vision shifted again, and Zhang found herself in the midst of a grand ball, where the most influential figures of the time were gathered. She recognized the faces of famous scholars, poets, and even a young emperor. The whispering voice was among them, and Zhang realized it belonged to a woman who had once been a student at the college.

"Zhang Hua," the voice called out, and Zhang jumped again. "I am Li Mei, a student of the Moonlit Shadows. I have been waiting for you."

Zhang's eyes widened in shock. "Li Mei? But... you died centuries ago!"

Li Mei's image smiled, a sad but knowing smile. "Yes, I did. But I have been trapped here, bound to this mirror, waiting for someone to free me. You have the power to do so, Zhang Hua. You must find the key."

The vision faded, leaving Zhang alone in the room. She knew what she had to do. She began to search the room, looking for any clues that might lead her to the key. She found an old, dusty book on a shelf, its pages yellowed with age. She opened it to find a map of the college, with a marked path leading to the old library.

Zhang made her way to the library, her heart pounding with anticipation. The library was a vast room filled with ancient tomes and scrolls. She searched through the shelves, her eyes scanning the titles, until she found a book with a keyhole on its cover. She pulled it out and opened it, revealing a small, intricately carved key.

With the key in hand, Zhang returned to the dormitory. She approached the mirror and inserted the key into the lock. The mirror shuddered, and a soft glow filled the room. The walls began to glow as well, and Zhang felt a warm, comforting presence.

The whispering voice called out again, "You have done it, Zhang Hua. You have freed me."

The mirror shattered, and Li Mei's image appeared before Zhang, her face radiant with joy. "Thank you, Zhang Hua. You have set me free."

As the image of Li Mei faded, Zhang felt a sense of peace. She had uncovered the truth behind the whispering walls, and she had freed a spirit that had been trapped for centuries. The dormitory was silent once more, but Zhang knew that the bond she had formed with Li Mei would remain with her forever.

Zhang Hua left the dormitory, her heart full of wonder and gratitude. She had faced the unknown, overcome her fears, and discovered the power of truth. The College of the Moonlit Shadows, with its secrets and whispers, would never be the same.