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墨書 Inktalez
The golden light surrounding Xuan Yang gradually faded, as if the imposing scene from moments ago was merely a fleeting dream, a mere illusion.
However, the fear left behind by the shadow leader 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, refusing to dissipate.
Qu Si Yang supported the injured Lu Zhiyuan as the three of them stumbled out of the cave.
The sunlight outside was somewhat blinding, warmly cascading over them, yet it could not dispel the gloom that hung over the village; instead, it made that gloom feel even heavier.
At the village entrance, villagers had already gathered, a mass of heads creating a dark crowd. Their eyes were interwoven with fear and hostility, resembling a group of startled beasts, tense and ready to attack, prepared to tear apart any perceived threat.
"Back already? How dare you show your faces here!" roared a burly villager, his voice filled 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 that once existed had transformed into suspicion and animosity, piercing him like a multitude of sharp blades.
"Did you bring the shadow forces here?" another villager questioned sharply, his tone like a knife stabbing directly at 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 as a spark, instantly igniting the villagers' emotions; the tension in the air was palpable.
"An explanation? What is there to explain! They are just pawns of the shadow forces!"
"Kill them! Avenge our fallen villagers!"
The villagers grew increasingly agitated, their shouts rising in volume like a pack of frenzied beasts, eyes gleaming with malice, ready to tear Xuan Yang and Qu Si Yang apart. They gripped their farming tools tightly, veins bulging as if they would charge forward at any moment.
"Stop!" Qu Si Yang shouted decisively as she stepped 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 refreshing stream attempting to douse the raging fire of anger within the villagers. Her bright eyes were filled with determination and fearlessness, shining like a beacon in the chaotic scene.
But it was all in vain.
The villagers' anger had reached its peak, surging like a flood that could not be contained. They were beyond reason, their eyes filled only with hatred and rage, resembling a flock of blinded lambs that had lost their 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 sleeping beast slowly awakening, exuding an air of danger.
"Shadow Puppet!" he growled, his voice low and hoarse, as if it were a whisper from hell.
In an instant, the shadow expanded into a massive black beast, its form towering like 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 startled by this sudden turn of events and instinctively recoiled, their eyes filled with fear, like small animals paralyzed by terror. They stared at the enormous black beast, their legs trembling and barely able to support them.
Lu Zhiyuan's eyes flickered with a cold smile that was fleeting but revealing; the slight upturn of his lips betrayed his inner satisfaction. He knew he had achieved his goal, successfully pushing Xuan Yang into opposition with the villagers and making him the target of their wrath.
Xuan Yang looked at the terrified expressions of the villagers, 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 fear and a target 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 intensified their fear. They understood that Xuan Yang possessed immense power; he could easily destroy this village and everything they held dear. Before him, they felt as insignificant as ants.
The villagers fell silent; they dared not speak or approach Xuan Yang any closer. They could only watch him from afar, their eyes filled with fear and reverence. They resembled tamed beasts that had lost their aggression, left only with submission to the stronger.
Qu Si Yang watched Xuan Yang with concern and heartache. She knew that his inner turmoil was greater than anyone else's; 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, hoping to provide warmth and strength.
Xuan Yang felt Qu Si Yang's warmth and found some solace in it. 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 in winter, warming his cold heart.
He took a deep breath, pushing down the sorrow and helplessness within him as his gaze grew resolute. He understood that he needed to become stronger to protect those he cared about, to safeguard 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, his tone laced with reproach. "You're going to scare 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 gradually crumble. He nodded and slowly retracted the Shadow Puppet.
The black beast transformed into a wisp of black smoke, dissipating into the air as if it had never existed.
The villagers let out a collective sigh of relief, but their gazes towards Xuan Yang remained filled with wariness and suspicion.
“Villagers, I know you have many questions and fears,” Lu Zhiyuan addressed the crowd loudly. “But please trust me and trust Xuan Yang. He is definitely not one of the Shadow forces!”
“Village Chief Lu, it’s easy for you to say that, but…” a villager hesitated. “What he just displayed 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 one of the Shadow forces, would he act this way?”
Lu Zhiyuan’s words plunged the villagers into deep thought.
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 the village.
“But what about the Shadow forces…”
“I will investigate the matter of the Shadow forces thoroughly!” Lu Zhiyuan declared firmly. “I will give everyone an explanation!”
“Village Chief Lu, we believe in you!”
“Yes, we trust 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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