**Chapter 28: The Golden Light of Revelation**
Part 28
As Jin-woo basked in the warm, golden light that spilled out from the box, he felt a sense of clarity and purpose that he had not felt in a long time. The statues nodded their great stone heads in approval, and stepped aside, revealing the narrow pass that wound its way through the mountains. With a sense of gratitude, Jin-woo bowed his head to the statues, and then set off along the path. As he walked, the golden light began to fade, but its effects lingered within him. He felt a newfound sense of confidence, and a deeper understanding of the journey that lay ahead. The path wound its way through the mountains, twisting and turning through valleys and gorges. Jin-woo walked for hours, the silence broken only by the sound of his footsteps, and the distant rumble of a waterfall. As the sun began to rise, casting a golden glow over the mountains, Jin-woo caught sight of a magnificent temple in the distance. The Temple of the Ancients was a sprawling complex of gleaming white stone, with intricately carved roofs and delicate latticework. Jin-woo's heart quickened with excitement as he approached the temple. He had been searching for this place for so long, and finally, he had found it. As he drew closer, he could feel a powerful energy emanating from within, a energy that seemed to be calling to him. The Guardian's voice whispered in his ear, "The Temple of the Ancients holds many secrets, Jin-woo. But be warned, the temple is guarded by powerful beings, and the trials that lie within will test your courage and your wits." Jin-woo steeled himself for what lay ahead, and pushed open the great wooden doors that led into the temple. As he stepped inside, he was greeted by a vast, high-ceilinged hall, filled with rows of glittering golden statues, and intricate tapestries that depicted the history of the ancient world. At the far end of the hall, Jin-woo saw a figure seated on a throne-like chair. The figure was shrouded in shadows, and Jin-woo could not make out its features. But as he approached, the figure slowly rose to its feet, revealing a woman of breathtaking beauty, with long, flowing hair, and eyes that shone like stars. "Welcome, Jin-woo," the woman said, her voice like music. "I have been waiting for you. My name is Ariana, and I am the Keeper of the Temple. I sense that you have come seeking something. Tell me, what is it that you seek?" Jin-woo hesitated, unsure of how to respond. But as he looked into Ariana's eyes, he felt a sense of trust, and he knew that he could be honest with her. "I seek the next piece of the puzzle," he said, his voice firm. "The Guardian has told me that it lies within the temple." Ariana smiled, and nodded her head. "Ah, yes. The puzzle. A complex and difficult journey, indeed. But I sense that you are prepared, Jin-woo. You have faced your shadow, and emerged stronger. Very well, I will give you the next piece of the puzzle. But first, you must prove yourself worthy." Jin-woo's heart quickened with anticipation, as Ariana gestured to a small, delicate table that stood beside her. On the table, a single, ornate box sat, adorned with intricate carvings, and a soft, pulsing light. "Solve the riddle of the box," Ariana said, her eyes sparkling with challenge. "And the next piece of the puzzle shall be yours."