Xuan Yang cautiously stepped onto the uneven, moss-covered stone path, making his way deeper into the dilapidated ancient temple. He couldn't help but mutter to himself, "Damn it, this crumbling temple looks downright creepy. What on earth did Dad send me here to find?"
As Xuan Yang truly entered the temple's interior, a chill surged up his spine. It was far more sinister inside than it appeared from the outside; rather than a temple, it felt more like a genuine den of ghosts. A cold wind swept through, making him shiver uncontrollably.
The decayed wooden beams overhead seemed ready to collapse at any moment, swaying precariously above him. They creaked ominously, sounding as if thousands of tiny insects were gnawing away at the wood. Each creak struck Xuan Yang's heart like a heavy hammer, stirring a sense of fear within him—could there really be spirits lurking here?
Looking around, he saw thick spider webs densely covering everything like curtains of death. The layers of webs appeared to twist into grotesque faces, faintly visible in the dim light. Xuan Yang felt nauseated by the sight and couldn't help but exclaim, "What the hell, this is just disgusting!"
The air was thick with dust and mildew, making it hard to breathe. Xuan Yang covered his nose; the stench was worse than a latrine!
He moved forward cautiously, each step taken with extreme care. This wretched place could be hiding all sorts of dangers. His father's warning lingered in his mind, leaving him uneasy.
Shadows... shadows... that name clung to him like a nightmare. What kind of existence could make his father so fearful?
Suddenly, he halted in his tracks. Before him stood a stone tablet. How had he not noticed it before?
The tablet towered high, its surface covered in ancient runes that emitted an eerie glow. The runes flickered as if breathing or whispering, exuding a mysterious power.
Xuan Yang felt a stirring in his heart; this stone tablet seemed to possess some special force. Could this be what Dad wanted him to find?
He reached out and gently touched the tablet. A powerful surge of energy erupted from it, enveloping him instantly. It felt like an electric shock—tingling yet accompanied by a strange warmth.
Xuan Yang sensed his consciousness being pulled into a peculiar space—a chaotic realm resembling the dawn of the universe. What on earth? Where am I?
Then the scene gradually sharpened into focus. An ancient sect appeared before him—the Puppet Sect. Majestic buildings rose in splendid array, resembling a fairyland.
In the Sect, countless figures moved like phantoms, weaving in and out of sight. In their hands, they controlled various Puppet Masters, manipulating them like marionettes. These Puppet Masters resembled humans, beasts, and even… shadows.
Xuan Yang felt a jolt of surprise. Shadows? Could this be the origin of the Shadow Puppet?
The scene shifted again. A massive figure appeared before him, towering like a demon, exuding a terrifying aura. This presence pressed down on Xuan Yang, making it hard for him to breathe, as if it intended to crush him.
In his hand, he gripped a Black Longsword, its blade emanating a dark glow, like a deathly light from hell. Shadow. The name resurfaced in Xuan Yang's mind, sending chills down his spine.
In the vision, the shadow wielded the longsword like a reaper, harvesting lives. Countless figures fell beneath its blade, blood flowing like rivers. The Puppet Sect was obliterated. This scene resembled a hell on earth, unbearable to witness.
Xuan Yang was filled with shock. Is this… the power of the shadow? It was terrifying! Such destructive force could annihilate everything!
The scene changed once more. A young figure appeared before him. Clad in white robes and holding a longsword, he stood against the shadow. The white attire was as pure as snow; his posture was upright and sharp, like a sword pointing towards the heavens.
Puppet Master. Xuan Yang's heart stirred. Could it be… that he is the reincarnation of the Puppet Master? This figure in white evoked an inexplicable sense of familiarity within him, as if resonating from deep within his soul.
In the vision, the Puppet Master engaged in a fierce battle with the shadow. Sword lights flashed like lightning tearing through the night sky. Their powers were evenly matched, neither able to gain the upper hand. This battle shook the heavens and earth, dimming the sun and moon.
Ultimately, the Puppet Master sacrificed himself to seal away the shadow. The figure in white transformed into countless specks of starlight, dissipating between heaven and earth.
The vision faded away. Xuan Yang's consciousness returned to reality. He stood before a stone tablet, trembling as if he had just emerged from a nightmare. Was all of this real?
Puppet Sect, shadow, Puppet Master… these names echoed in his mind, refusing to fade away. He finally understood what his father's warning meant: the shadow was the true enemy.
He was the reincarnation of the Puppet Master, bearing the daunting mission of sealing away the fearsome shadows that struck terror into the hearts of many. This seemingly ordinary village concealed a monumental secret unknown to the world.
He understood that this journey was fraught with danger and challenges, requiring him to tread carefully and be vigilant. More importantly, he needed to continuously grow stronger.
At that moment, without any warning, he suddenly felt an overwhelming and unmatched power surging from within him.
The Shadow Puppet, which had long been dormant, abruptly awakened at this instant!
This power was like a mighty dragon that had been lying in wait, finally stirring from its deep slumber.
He slowly extended a hand, and the pitch-black shadow sprang to life, joyfully dancing in his palm as if it possessed a spirit of its own.
At that moment, an unprecedented sense of fulfillment and confidence surged within him. He felt as if he had transformed into a deity descending from the heavens, endowed with extraordinary abilities capable of overcoming any hardship or obstacle.
Could this be the mysterious power contained within the legendary Shadow Puppet?
He lifted his head slightly, his gaze firmly fixed on the depths of the dilapidated temple. A resolute determination flashed in his eyes.
No matter what treacherous dangers and trials awaited him ahead, he would not retreat. He vowed to forge ahead boldly and face whatever came his way!
Without hesitation, he took a step forward, marching resolutely into the unknown darkness. Just then, a cacophony of noise erupted from outside the crumbling temple. "Not good, someone is coming!" he thought to himself, momentarily halting his steps. However, after a brief hesitation, he quickened his pace once more, charging into the depths of darkness without looking back.
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