The shadow slowly removed his mask, revealing a pale yet handsome face, with a wicked smile curling at the corners of his mouth, reminiscent of a cunning fox finally showing its fangs.
He cast a disdainful glance over the crowd, his gaze as cold as frost, like a Monarch looking down upon a swarm of ants. "The Puppet Heart is mine to claim. Anyone who dares to obstruct me will be killed without mercy!" His voice was not loud, yet it echoed like thunder in everyone's hearts, sending chills down their spines.
Before the shadow's words had fully settled, his subordinates surged forward like hungry wolves, launching a fierce attack on the crowd. Their synchronized movements clearly indicated countless hours of training; each strike was delivered with lethal intent.
The members of the Shadow Force were all exceptionally skilled. They moved swiftly and struck ruthlessly, darting through the crowd like phantoms, their weapons glinting ominously as they harvested lives one by one. Each attack sliced through the air with the sound of wind, reminiscent of the Grim Reaper's scythe cutting mercilessly through space.
"Ah!" The screams echoed like the mournful cries of night owls in the ruins, chilling and despairing, resembling a symphony from hell that sent shivers down spines.
Xuan Yang's expression darkened; he knew that a fierce battle was inevitable. In that moment, the blood in his veins ignited with fervor, and determination sparkled in his eyes.
With a thought, ten Shadow Puppets appeared instantly, like black phantoms tracing eerie arcs through the air as they lunged at the members of the Shadow Force. These Shadow Puppets seemed to be extensions of Xuan Yang's will; every movement was filled with strength and resolve.
The Shadow Puppets nimbly evaded enemy attacks, leaping and rolling through the air like dancers while constantly harassing their foes and distracting them like a swarm of annoying mosquitoes. They appeared behind enemies one moment and beneath their feet the next, making it nearly impossible to defend against them.
Qu Si Yang also unleashed her defensive Ability; a golden light enveloped her and Xuan Yang like an inverted giant bowl, shielding them from enemy attacks. This golden glow shone like a beacon of hope in the darkness, offering warmth and security. The light flickered continuously, each pulse resonating as if fiercely countering the enemies' onslaught.
However, the strength of the Shadow Force members far exceeded what anyone had anticipated. Their teamwork was impeccable; waves of attacks crashed against Xuan Yang and Qu Si Yang's defenses like relentless ocean tides. Their strikes were as fierce as a storm—dense and overwhelming—leaving little room to breathe.
Though Xuan Yang's Shadow Puppets were agile, their numbers were limited. Gradually, they began to falter under the relentless tide of assaults. The glow surrounding them dimmed as if they might vanish at any moment.
Qu Si Yang's defensive Ability was formidable but could not withstand all attacks. Her complexion grew increasingly pale as beads of sweat formed on her forehead; it was clear she was nearing her limit. She gritted her teeth, striving to maintain the protective barrier without letting it shatter.
"Damn it! How are these guys so strong?" a Trialist exclaimed in frustration, fear etched across his face as his body trembled uncontrollably. His voice dripped with despair and helplessness, as if he had been cornered into a dead end.
At that moment, the shadow struck suddenly. He let out a cold laugh as if everything were under his control.
In an instant, he vanished like a wraith and reappeared before Xuan Yang. His dagger shot toward Xuan Yang's heart like a viper's fang—swift as lightning and deadly intent evident; he clearly aimed to kill in one blow.
Xuan Yang's heart raced in alarm as he quickly sidestepped to evade the strike but was still a moment too late. The dagger tore through his clothing, leaving a bloody mark on his chest. Blood gushed forth instantly, staining his garment—a shocking sight indeed.
“Xuan Yang!” Qu Si Yang exclaimed, quickly unleashing a stronger defensive ability. A golden flame enveloped both Xuan Yang and the shadow, reminiscent of a phoenix rising from the ashes. This flame was scorching and brilliant, as if it could incinerate everything in its path.
The shadow was pushed back by the flames, his expression dark as ink. He had not anticipated that Qu Si Yang possessed such formidable defensive capabilities, which instilled in him a sense of threat.
“Damn it!” the shadow cursed angrily and launched another attack. A hint of madness flickered in his eyes, clearly indicating that he had been provoked.
This time, he held nothing back and unleashed his full power. His figure moved like a wraith through the flames, and the dagger in his hand struck like a viper's tongue, relentlessly targeting Xuan Yang. Each attack carried a sharp whistle that sent chills down one’s spine.
Xuan Yang felt unprecedented pressure; he realized that if he didn’t fight with all his might, he might very well die here. Gritting his teeth against the pain, he focused his mind and exerted all his energy to control the Shadow Puppet. In his eyes shone a determined light, a manifestation of his desire for life and his obsession with victory.
Suddenly, he felt a surge of powerful energy erupting from within him, akin to a volcano exploding. This force broke free from his body in an instant, filling him with an overwhelming strength. It was a sensation he had never experienced before, as if he had been reborn into a completely new self.
The number of his Shadow Puppets surged dramatically, increasing from ten to twenty, then thirty, and finally reaching fifty! It was nothing short of a miracle, almost unbelievable.
Fifty Shadow Puppets surrounded the members of Shadow Force like a tide of darkness, resembling grim reapers harvesting vibrant lives. They danced in the air and darted across the ground, omnipresent and elusive.
The shadow's expression changed drastically; he had not expected Xuan Yang to possess such immense power. This strength filled him with fear and despair.
He knew he was no longer a match for Xuan Yang. A flicker of resolution crossed his eyes as if he had made a decision.
Grinding his teeth, he turned to flee. His figure vanished like a wraith from everyone’s sight in an instant.
“Think you can escape? Not so easily!” Xuan Yang scoffed, commanding the Shadow Puppets to pursue him. His voice brimmed with confidence and dominance, as if he had already seized control of the situation.
The shadow disappeared into the depths of the mist and vanished from view. His figure slipped away like a ghost before everyone’s eyes.
Xuan Yang did not chase after him; he knew it was not yet time for a decisive battle with Shadow Force. Taking a deep breath, he calmed his racing heart.
He needed to find the Puppet Heart first to enhance his strength before ultimately defeating Shadow Force and protecting his village and family. This was his mission and his responsibility.
He turned to Qu Si Yang and asked, "Are you okay?" His voice was filled with concern and tenderness.
Qu Si Yang shook her head and replied, "I'm fine, just a bit exhausted." Although her voice was weak, it was filled with determination.
Xuan Yang nodded and said, "Let's take a break to regain our strength before we go find Puppet Heart." There was a resolute light in his eyes, a glimmer of hope for the future and a yearning for victory.
Qu Si Yang nodded and sat cross-legged on the ground, beginning to regulate her breathing. A faint glow emanated from her, a sign of her Ability at work, helping her recover her strength.
Xuan Yang also sat cross-legged on the ground, starting to meditate. He too radiated a soft glow, as his Shadow Puppet stood guard over him.
Suddenly, the ruins began to tremble violently, as if an earthquake had struck. The ground shook, the walls quivered, and stones began to fall from above, making it seem as though the entire structure was about to collapse.
"What’s happening?" Qu Si Yang exclaimed, her voice filled with fear and unease.
Xuan Yang's expression darkened; he sensed a powerful force emanating from deep within the ruins. It felt like a slumbering dragon awakening, carrying an aura of destruction.
The malevolent energy sent chills down his spine. It was an oppressive sensation that made it feel as if the entire world was on the verge of collapse.
He stood up and said urgently, "We need to get out of here! It's going to cave in!" His voice was filled with urgency and decisiveness.
Qu Si Yang also got to her feet and followed Xuan Yang as they ran towards the exit of the ruins. Their figures appeared particularly small amidst the crumbling structure.
Just as they were nearing the exit, the top of the ruins suddenly collapsed, blocking their way out. Massive stones fell like meteors from the sky, crashing to the ground with a deafening roar.
"What do we do?" Qu Si Yang asked anxiously. Her voice was laced with despair as if she could already see the shadow of death looming over them.
Xuan Yang's face grew serious as he scanned their surroundings and noticed a crack in the wall. The fissure stood out starkly in the trembling ruins.
He approached the crack and pushed against it with all his might. To his surprise, it slowly opened up, revealing a passageway that seemed like an entrance to another world.
"Let's go!" Xuan Yang said, his tone carrying an undeniable firmness.
He took Qu Si Yang's hand and stepped into the passage. Qu Si Yang followed closely behind him, her palms slick with sweat, yet she gripped Xuan Yang's hand tightly, as if it were her only lifeline.
The passage was narrow, barely wide enough for one person to pass through. The walls on either side were uneven and jagged, as if something had gnawed at them, creating a chilling atmosphere.
Xuan Yang led the way while Qu Si Yang trailed behind. They moved cautiously, each step feeling like they were treading on a razor's edge, their nerves stretched to the limit.
The passage stretched on, enveloped in darkness where even an outstretched hand could not be seen. The silence around them was profound, broken only by the sound of their footsteps and breathing, which echoed ominously.
Xuan Yang and Qu Si Yang walked carefully, wary of triggering any traps. Their nerves were taut like a bowstring, ready to snap at any moment.
Suddenly, they heard footsteps approaching from afar, growing clearer and closer, like an invisible hand tightening around their throats.
Someone was coming! Who was it? Friend or foe?
Was it the Shadow Force? Had they caught up to them?
Or… were they other Trialists? Were they also here searching for the Puppet Heart?
Xuan Yang's heart raced to his throat as he tightened his grip on Qu Si Yang's hand, his palms clammy with sweat. His breathing quickened, and his heart pounded faster, as if it might leap from his chest.
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