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墨書 Inktalez
The golden light surrounding Xuan Yang slowly faded, as if the imposing scene from moments ago was merely a fleeting dream, an illusion.
However, the fear left behind by the Shadow Lord pierced deeply into Xuan Yang's heart like a sharp dagger, causing waves of pain that were hard to shake off. This fear clung to him like a festering wound, indelibly etched in his mind, impossible to erase.
Qu Si Yang supported the injured Lu Zhiyuan as the three of them stumbled out of the cave.
Outside, the sunlight was somewhat blinding, warmly bathing them but failing to dispel the gloom that hung over the village; instead, it only made the darkness feel heavier.
At the village entrance, a crowd of villagers had already gathered, a mass of heads pressing together in a dark throng. Their eyes were interwoven with fear and hostility, resembling a pack of startled beasts, tense and ready to strike at any moment, prepared to tear apart any perceived threat.
"Back already? You still have the face to return!" bellowed a burly villager, his voice brimming with anger and hatred, igniting the previously silent atmosphere like a lit fuse.
Xuan Yang's heart sank suddenly, plummeting to the depths. He understood that the villagers no longer trusted them. The admiration and affection they once held had transformed into suspicion and animosity, piercing him like a thousand sharp blades.
"Was it you who brought the Shadow Force?" another villager questioned sharply, his tone cutting like a knife straight into Xuan Yang's heart without mercy.
Lu Zhiyuan clutched his chest and coughed violently, his face pale as paper. Weakly, he said, "Xuan Yang... you must give everyone an explanation." His words acted like a spark, instantly igniting the villagers' emotions and filling the air with tension.
"Explanation? What is there to explain! They are just pawns of the Shadow Force!"
"Kill them! Avenge our fallen villagers!"
The villagers grew increasingly agitated, their shouts rising in volume like a pack of frenzied beasts. Their eyes glinted with malice as they prepared to tear Xuan Yang and Qu Si Yang apart. Gripping their farming tools tightly, their muscles tensed as if they would charge forward at any moment.
"Stop!" Qu Si Yang shouted decisively, stepping protectively in front of Xuan Yang. "Calm down! We haven't figured this out yet; don't wrongfully accuse anyone!"
Though her voice was not loud, it was filled with strength, like a clear stream attempting to extinguish the raging fire of anger within the villagers. Her bright eyes shone with determination and fearlessness, illuminating the chaotic scene before them.
But it was all in vain.
The villagers' anger had reached its peak, like a flood that had burst its banks, unstoppable and chaotic. They could no longer hear any explanations; their eyes were filled only with hatred and rage, resembling a group of blinded lambs, devoid of judgment.
Xuan Yang took a deep breath, suppressing the bitterness and helplessness within him. He knew that nothing he said would matter now; explanations would only make things worse. Slowly, he raised his hand, and a dark shadow began to coalesce in his palm, like a slumbering beast slowly awakening, exuding a dangerous aura.
"Shadow Puppet!" he growled, his voice deep and hoarse, like a whisper from hell.
The shadow instantly expanded, transforming into a massive Black Beast, its form resembling a small mountain. With sturdy limbs and sharp fangs, it let out a deafening roar, proclaiming its power and intimidating everyone present.
The villagers were taken aback by this sudden turn of events, retreating in fear, their eyes wide with terror, like frightened animals trembling in the face of danger. They stared at the enormous Black Beast, their legs weak and unsteady.
Lu Zhiyuan's eyes flickered with a cold smile, fleeting yet revealing his inner satisfaction through the slight upward curve of his lips. He knew he had achieved his goal; he had successfully turned the villagers against Xuan Yang, making him the target of their wrath.
Xuan Yang looked at the villagers' fearful expressions, filled with helplessness and sorrow. He only wanted to protect this village and the ones he loved, yet he had become a monster in their eyes—a figure of their fears and an outlet for their anger. This unexpected turn of events left him unprepared and deeply disheartened.
"I don't want to hurt you, but if you continue to push me, don't blame me for being unkind!" he said coldly, his voice carrying a warning like a drawn sword glinting in the light.
His words doused the villagers' anger like cold water but also deepened their fear. They understood that Xuan Yang possessed immense power; he could easily destroy this village and everything they held dear. In his presence, they felt as insignificant as ants.
Silence fell over the villagers; they dared not speak or approach Xuan Yang any closer. They could only watch him from afar, their eyes filled with fear and awe. They resembled tamed beasts that had lost their aggression, left only with submission to the stronger force.
Qu Si Yang looked at Xuan Yang with concern and sorrow in her eyes. She knew that Xuan Yang was suffering more than anyone else; he bore too much pressure that he should not have to endure. His once fiery heart was now surrounded by the cold reality. Gently, she took his hand in hers, wanting to offer him warmth and strength.
Xuan Yang felt Qu Si Yang's warmth and found some solace within himself. He knew that no matter what happened, he was not alone; he had Qu Si Yang, Lu Zhiyuan, and those who silently supported him. This support was like a ray of sunshine on a winter's day, warming his cold heart.
Taking a deep breath, he pushed down the sorrow and helplessness within him; his gaze became resolute. He understood that he needed to grow stronger to protect those he wanted to safeguard, to defend this village, and to confront the unknown dark forces ahead.
"Xuan Yang, what are you doing? Put away your Puppet Master!" Lu Zhiyuan suddenly interjected with a hint of reproach in his tone. "You’re scaring the villagers!"
“Brother Lu, I…” Xuan Yang hesitated, unsure of how to explain himself. He only wanted to protect himself and everyone else.
“I know you’re trying to protect us, but what you’re doing will only make things worse!” Lu Zhiyuan stepped closer to Xuan Yang and patted his shoulder. “Trust me, I will handle this.”
Looking into Lu Zhiyuan’s sincere eyes, Xuan Yang felt his defenses slowly crumble. He nodded and gradually retracted the Shadow Puppet.
The Black Beast transformed into a wisp of black smoke, dissipating into the air as if it had never existed.
Seeing this, the villagers collectively sighed in relief, yet their gazes toward Xuan Yang remained filled with wariness and doubt.
“Fellow Villagers, I know there are many questions and fears in your hearts,” Lu Zhiyuan addressed the crowd loudly. “But please trust me and trust Xuan Yang; he is definitely not one of the Shadow Force!”
“Village Chief Lu, it’s easy for you to say that, but…” a villager hesitated. “What he just demonstrated was terrifying; we…”
“I understand, I know you’re scared,” Lu Zhiyuan interrupted. “But Xuan Yang’s power is meant to protect us, not to harm us! Think about it: how much has Xuan Yang done for our village during this time? How many times has he helped us fend off wild beast attacks? How many lives has he saved? If he were truly part of the Shadow Force, would he act this way?”
Lu Zhiyuan’s words plunged the villagers into contemplation.
Indeed, while Xuan Yang possessed formidable power, he had never harmed a single villager; instead, he had always been there to protect them and safeguard their village.
“But what about the Shadow Force…”
“I will get to the bottom of the Shadow Force matter!” Lu Zhiyuan declared firmly. “I will provide everyone with an explanation!”
“Village Chief Lu, we believe in you!”
“Yes, we believe in you!”
The villagers spoke among themselves, their eyes filled with trust and expectation as they looked at Lu Zhiyuan.
Lu Zhiyuan nodded in satisfaction. He turned to Xuan Yang and said, “Xuan Yang, for now, you should stay in the village and not go anywhere. I will investigate the truth of the matter as quickly as possible and clear your name.”
“Brother Lu, I…” Xuan Yang wanted to say more, but Lu Zhiyuan shook his head, signaling him to remain silent.
Xuan Yang, feeling helpless, could only nod. He understood that Lu Zhiyuan was looking out for him, not wanting him to get further entangled in this conflict.
“Alright, everyone disperse! Go back to what you were doing!” Lu Zhiyuan addressed the villagers. “Remember, do not discuss this matter any further to avoid unnecessary panic!”
The villagers nodded and began to leave, but their gazes toward Xuan Yang were still filled with complex emotions.
“Si Yang, take Xuan Yang back to rest. I’ll handle things here,” Lu Zhiyuan said to Qu Si Yang.
Qu Si Yang nodded and supported Xuan Yang as they slowly made their way out of the village.
Xuan Yang glanced back at Lu Zhiyuan, his heart a mix of emotions. He didn’t understand why Lu Zhiyuan was doing this, but he trusted him, believing that he wouldn’t harm him.
Watching Xuan Yang’s retreating figure, a complex glimmer passed through Lu Zhiyuan’s eyes. He slowly turned and vanished into the crowd like a snake lurking in the shadows, ready to strike at any moment.
Cracks of trust had begun to form; dark currents were stirring beneath the surface. A greater storm was about to arrive… a storm that would sweep through the entire village and pull everyone into its chaos.
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