In the evening, inside the dilapidated temple, the fading sunlight streamed through the broken roof, casting mottled shadows on the ground. The air was thick with dust and the scent of decay.
Xuan Yang and Qu Si Yang sat side by side on the stone steps, a distance separating them.
Qu Si Yang excitedly recounted her experience of awakening her abilities, her tone laced with pride and joy.
“At that moment, I felt a powerful energy surge from my bracelet, and in an instant, it formed a shield that blocked that energy ball.”
She vividly described the scene as if she were reliving that thrilling moment, her bright eyes sparkling with excitement.
Xuan Yang listened quietly, his gaze filled with envy and longing. His slightly youthful face was now etched with yearning.
“That's amazing…” he murmured, his voice tinged with a hint of melancholy, barely audible even to himself.
He recalled the feeling of helplessness he experienced in the face of danger, a strong desire swelling within him; he too wanted to possess formidable powers to protect himself and those around him.
What would it feel like? To wield power at will and crush those who bully the weak beneath one’s feet.
“Actually, everyone has the potential to awaken their abilities; it’s just a matter of time,” Qu Si Yang reassured him, noticing the shift in Xuan Yang's emotions. Her voice softened.
“Really?” Xuan Yang's eyes lit up as if he had grasped a lifeline. He suddenly looked up, hope shining brightly in his gaze as he fixed his eyes on Qu Si Yang.
“Of course it’s true! My parents said that everyone has seeds of abilities hidden within them; as long as you find the right method, they can sprout,” Qu Si Yang affirmed confidently, nodding vigorously with encouragement in her tone.
To prove her abilities, Qu Si Yang extended her right hand and activated her powers.
A faint golden light began to flicker on her fair palm, growing brighter and more dazzling by the moment.
A pale golden Light Shield materialized above her hand, resembling a transparent eggshell that enveloped her delicate palm.
The Light Shield emitted a soft glow, providing a warm and secure feeling.
"Look, this is my defensive ability," she said with a smile, a hint of pride in her tone as the corners of her mouth lifted slightly, revealing two adorable dimples.
Xuan Yang gazed at the Light Shield in Qu Si Yang's hand, his eyes filled with awe and envy. He stared intently at the shield as if trying to see through it.
"That's amazing! If only my shadow could turn into a shield," Xuan Yang said half-jokingly, shaking his head with a bitter smile, a glimmer of sadness flashing in his eyes.
He thought to himself how wonderful it would be if he could possess powerful abilities like Qu Si Yang. Then he could protect himself and those around him, instead of just watching helplessly as others were bullied.
At that moment, an elderly voice echoed from deep within the dilapidated temple, breaking the silence between them.
"The awakening of abilities is not something that happens overnight; it requires long-term practice and accumulation."
Old Village Chief Lu Zhiyuan slowly emerged, leaning on a cane. His steps were unsteady, yet his gaze was sharp and penetrating, as if he could see through everything.
"Grandpa Village Chief," Qu Si Yang and Xuan Yang quickly stood up, respectfully greeting the Old Village Chief, their faces reflecting a sense of reverence.
"Children, are you interested in supernatural abilities?" the Old Village Chief asked kindly as he walked in front of them and sat down on the stone steps beside them. His gaze swept over Xuan Yang and Qu Si Yang, as if he could see through their hearts.
"Yes, Grandpa Village Chief," Xuan Yang said eagerly. "I want to awaken my powers too, just like Si Yang, to protect everyone." He clenched his fists, his eyes filled with determination and desire.
The Old Village Chief smiled and said, "Everyone has their own mission; awakening supernatural abilities is just one way to fulfill it."
He paused for a moment before continuing, "Legend has it that our village once had a powerful supernatural being known as the 'Puppet Master.'"
"Puppet Master?" Xuan Yang and Qu Si Yang asked in unison, curiosity and confusion evident on their faces as they had never heard this name before.
"It is said that the Puppet Master had the ability to control shadows and could summon countless Shadow Puppets, possessing immense combat power," the Old Village Chief spoke slowly, his tone carrying a hint of reverence as if recounting an ancient and sacred tale.
Upon hearing the words "shadow" and "Puppet Master," Xuan Yang's heart skipped a beat. He felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity, as if this legend was somehow connected to him.
An indescribable feeling surged within him—part excitement, part fear—and he could even feel his blood racing.
"Where did the Puppet Master ultimately go?" Xuan Yang couldn't help but ask, eager to learn more about the Puppet Master. He felt that the answer to this question was crucial for him.
The Old Village Chief shook his head and said, "No one knows. He was like a gust of wind—suddenly appearing and then vanishing without a trace, leaving only legends and stories behind."
He looked at Xuan Yang meaningfully and said, "Perhaps the next Puppet Master is among us."
Xuan Yang was taken aback as he looked at the Old Village Chief, filled with confusion and uncertainty.
The Old Village Chief's words brought an inexplicable pressure upon him, causing him to question his own identity.
Could it be that he really had some connection to the Puppet Master?
“Xuan Yang, what are you thinking about?” Qu Si Yang asked with concern, noticing his prolonged silence. She reached out and gently touched Xuan Yang's arm.
“Nothing,” Xuan Yang replied, snapping back to reality. He shook his head, not wanting to worry Qu Si Yang. He forced a smile, trying to mask the unease within him.
“Village Chief Grandpa, how should we cultivate our abilities?” He shifted the topic, seeking guidance from the Old Village Chief. He was eager to know the answer, as if it would provide a sliver of relief from his inner turmoil.
“To cultivate your abilities, you need to find a method that suits you; everyone’s approach is different,” the Old Village Chief said. “The most important thing is to be persistent and never give up.” He looked at Xuan Yang earnestly, his eyes filled with expectation.
“We understand, Village Chief Grandpa,” Xuan Yang and Qu Si Yang replied in unison, nodding seriously as they committed the Old Village Chief's words to memory.
“Alright, children, it’s getting late. You should head back and rest,” the Old Village Chief said as he stood up, leaning on his cane as he slowly walked deeper into the dilapidated temple.
“Okay, Village Chief Grandpa. You should also get some rest,” Xuan Yang and Qu Si Yang bid farewell once more, their voices echoing in the empty temple.
The two walked out of the broken temple side by side. Night had fallen, stars twinkled above, and a gentle breeze brought a hint of coolness.
“Xuan Yang, I believe you will definitely awaken your abilities,” Qu Si Yang encouraged him. She looked at Xuan Yang with trust in her eyes and gently patted his shoulder.
"Thank you, Si Yang," Xuan Yang said gratefully, looking at Qu Si Yang, his heart filled with warmth. He took a deep breath, as if trying to expel all his unease and fear.
He clenched his fists, silently resolving to train hard, awaken his abilities, and protect Qu Si Yang, as well as everyone else.
He would make those who bullied them pay the price!
Suddenly, Xuan Yang felt a wave of dizziness wash over him; everything around him began to blur, as if the entire world was spinning.
He staggered slightly, nearly falling to the ground, his body feeling as though it had lost all its strength.
"Xuan Yang, what's wrong?" Qu Si Yang quickly supported him, her voice filled with concern and worry.
Xuan Yang shook his head and replied, "I'm fine; I might just be a bit tired from earlier."
He took a deep breath, striving to stay awake, gripping Qu Si Yang's arm tightly, afraid he might collapse.
At that moment, he felt something in his mind shatter with a sharp crack.
A powerful force surged from within him...
"What is this..." Xuan Yang's eyes widened in shock and disbelief. He sensed that his body was undergoing some kind of transformation—one he had never experienced before.
Comment 0 Comment Count