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墨書 Inktalez
A chill ran down Xuan Yang's spine, sending a shiver through his entire body and making the hair on the back of his neck stand on end. Instinctively, he pulled Qu Si Yang behind him, guarding her as he stared warily at the group of villagers before him, his eyes filled with caution and alertness.
These faces, usually friendly, now wore expressions that were anything but welcoming. Their eyes held an unsettling strangeness that sent a wave of unease coursing through him.
"Village Chief, what are you... what do you intend to do?" Xuan Yang forced himself to suppress the fear and anxiety bubbling within, striving to keep his voice steady, though the slight tremor at the end betrayed his inner turmoil.
Lu Zhiyuan leaned heavily on a worn cane that had seen many years, his frail body seeming on the verge of collapse as he shuffled toward Xuan Yang.
His already murky eyes were now filled with worry and urgency, as if he genuinely cared for their well-being. "Xuan Yang, Si Yang, I’m relieved to see you both safe! My old bones nearly gave out when I heard you were in danger at the dilapidated temple. I hurried over with everyone to check on you."
He paused, letting out a long sigh that seemed to express both relief and resignation. "You kids really need to listen better! That old temple has been abandoned for ages; it’s never been peaceful there. Strange things happen all the time that can make anyone uneasy. You should avoid going there in the future to prevent any more danger."
Listening to Lu Zhiyuan's words, Xuan Yang couldn't help but scoff internally. This Old Guy was putting on quite a show! He clearly knew what had happened in the temple but pretended otherwise. How hypocritical! What was he really up to? The Village Chief had some impressive acting skills; he could have made a career in theater!
"Village Chief, we’re really fine. We just got lost in the temple and took a while to find our way out," Qu Si Yang quickly interjected, sensing the tension in the air. She didn’t want Xuan Yang to clash with the villagers; after all, they still needed to live in this village.
"That’s good to hear," Lu Zhiyuan replied, visibly relieved as he nodded repeatedly. He then turned to the still-watchful villagers behind him. "Alright, since they’re fine, everyone disperse! Go about your business; no need to linger here."
Though the villagers still wore reluctant expressions, they dared not defy the Village Chief’s orders and begrudgingly turned away. As they left, several shot Xuan Yang fierce glares as if they wished they could devour him whole.
Xuan Yang observed Lu Zhiyuan's cunning face with a hint of suspicion in his eyes. The Old Guy's behavior was too unusual! Every action and word seemed laced with an oddness that suggested he was hiding something. Was there some dark secret behind all this?
"Village Chief, I have another question for you," Xuan Yang decided to probe further.
"What question? Go ahead and ask," Lu Zhiyuan replied, looking at Xuan Yang with a flicker of barely concealed tension flashing across his cloudy old eyes before it was quickly masked.
"Who is the Shadow?" Xuan Yang fixed his gaze on Lu Zhiyuan’s eyes, enunciating each word as if trying to extract some clue from his expression.
Lu Zhiyuan's body trembled slightly at the mention of the Shadow. A flicker of panic crossed his wrinkled face but was swiftly replaced by calmness as if his earlier lapse had been nothing more than an illusion. "The Shadow? Is it him? Did he confront you?"
"Village Chief, you know about the Shadow, don’t you? Then you must know what he wants," Xuan Yang pressed on, his tone turning icy like a drawn sword aimed directly at Lu Zhiyuan's vulnerabilities. "The Shadow was just in the temple; he tried to steal my Pendant and nearly killed both me and Si Yang! You must know about this!"
Lu Zhiyuan's expression grew increasingly grim, shifting from pale to a deep shade of green, like a painter's palette in turmoil. He fell silent for a moment, as if contemplating something or weighing the pros and cons. After what felt like an eternity, he finally spoke slowly, "Xuan Yang, there are some things it’s better for you not to know. The more you know, the more dangerous it becomes for you. The waters here run deep; it’s not something you can wade through."
"Dangerous? What could possibly be more dangerous than nearly being killed by the Shadows?" Xuan Yang scoffed, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Are you saying that Village Chief, you know about or are involved in this conspiracy behind it all?"
Lu Zhiyuan sighed deeply and replied, "Xuan Yang, I understand that you have many questions and confusions right now, but this is not the time to tell you. When you are strong enough, you will naturally learn the truth. For now, your Ability has awakened; just remember to train diligently and improve your strength—that is what matters most."
"Strong enough? Hmph! Do I have to wait until I'm as powerful as the Shadows to learn the truth?" A flicker of derision crossed Xuan Yang's eyes; he did not believe Lu Zhiyuan's reasoning. "Village Chief, what exactly are you hiding?"
Lu Zhiyuan did not answer Xuan Yang's question. He simply gazed deeply at him before turning to walk back toward the village. His hunched figure elongated in the setting sun's glow, appearing particularly forlorn. Before leaving, he uttered one last sentence: "Xuan Yang, Si Yang, remember my words: sometimes it's better not to know than to know. This is for your own good."
Watching Lu Zhiyuan's retreating figure, Xuan Yang was filled with confusion and unease, as if countless ants were crawling around in his heart, making him restless. What secrets had this old man concealed? What was the danger he spoke of? And who or what was that mysterious Shadow? Everything felt like a massive enigma shrouded over Xuan Yang's mind, leaving him feeling overwhelmingly oppressed and suffocated.
"Xuan Yang, let's go home and talk later," Qu Si Yang gently tugged at Xuan Yang's sleeve and said softly, her voice filled with concern and worry.
Xuan Yang nodded and left the dilapidated temple with Qu Si Yang, heading toward the village.
All along the way, Xuan Yang felt a heavy weight on his heart as if it were filled with lead. He felt trapped in a vast maze where everything around him was shrouded in mystery—truths indistinguishable from lies—making him feel incredibly stifled and suffocated. He was like a headless fly flailing about in this labyrinth, unable to find an exit.
He didn't know who he truly was or what secrets his background held; he had no idea what he was meant to do or how to navigate his future path. All he knew was that he had to become stronger quickly; only with great power could he unravel these mysteries, protect himself and those around him, and survive in this world filled with danger and uncertainty.
Upon returning to the village, Xuan Yang and Qu Si Yang kept quiet about their ordeal and went straight home; they knew this matter required careful consideration.
When Xuan Yang's parents saw him and Qu Si Yang return safely, they both let out a long sigh of relief—their anxious hearts finally settled.
"Yang'er, Si Yang, are you two alright? You really had us worried sick!" Xuan Yang's mother grasped his hand tightly, scanning him up and down with concern as if afraid he had lost even a hair.
"We're fine, really fine! We just got lost in the old temple and took a bit of a detour," Xuan Yang reassured his mother; he didn’t want them to worry about him.
"That's good to hear! You two really scared me!" His mother patted her chest in relief before turning to Qu Si Yang. "Si Yang, you've been frightened too; you should hurry home as well. Your parents must be just as anxious as we are."
Xuan Yang nodded obediently and turned to head home.
"Yang'er, are you really okay? You don't look well," Xuan Qing said, concern filling his clear eyes as he looked at Xuan Yang.
Xuan Yang shook his head, forcing a smile. "Dad, I'm fine. I'm just a bit tired, probably from all the commotion at the dilapidated temple today. Don't worry, I'll be alright after some rest. But Dad, how come you have that ability too? I never knew you had such skills."
"I'll tell you another day. For now, just rest well. I'll go get you a glass of water to soothe your throat," Xuan Qing replied before turning and leaving the room.
Xuan Yang nodded and slowly lay back on the bed, closing his eyes. Yet, his mind was flooded with images like a movie playing out before him—the terrifying face of the shadowy figure, Lu Zhiyuan's cryptic words, and the eerie faces of the villagers.
He felt like a chess piece being manipulated by an invisible hand, unwittingly drawn into a massive conspiracy while remaining completely oblivious to its depths. This sensation filled him with frustration and anger; he felt trapped in a colossal cage from which he could not escape no matter how hard he struggled.
He didn't know how to break free from this predicament or how to face the challenges ahead. He was uncertain if he could survive in this world filled with danger and uncertainty.
All he knew was that he needed to become stronger quickly. Only by gaining formidable power could he protect himself and those around him, unravel all the mysteries, find his own answers, and take control of his destiny!
Suddenly, he felt the pendant on his chest warm slightly, a wave of warmth surged from it, spreading throughout his body and bringing him a sense of refreshment. This warmth seemed to possess some magical power, revitalizing his weary body.
He opened his eyes wide; the dullness in them was replaced by a brilliant spark, as if two flames were igniting within.
He realized that his fate was about to change. From this moment on, he would no longer be a pawn at the mercy of others but a true player in the game! He would take control of his destiny, uncover all the mysteries, identify the mastermind behind it all, and defeat them completely!
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