Inside the dilapidated temple, the once peaceful air was now shrouded in an atmosphere of extreme tension.
Villagers surged in from all directions like a roaring tide, each clutching various makeshift yet menacing weapons: rusty hoes, razor-sharp sickles, and sturdy wooden clubs.
These weapons glinted ominously in the dim light, reflecting a chilling coldness that matched the villagers' eyes, filled with fear and anger. They resembled a pack of enraged beasts, poised and ready to pounce on their prey at the slightest command.
Standing at the center of the crumbling temple was Xuan Yang, his expression impassive as he slowly turned his body, surveying the aggressive crowd with a cold and slightly disdainful gaze.
A barely perceptible smirk curled at the corners of his mouth, revealing his contempt without reservation.
He inwardly scoffed, "Hmph, what a bunch of ignorant rabble!"
Then, he coldly uttered a scornful remark, “Do you really think you can block my path with your pathetic attempts?”
As soon as his words fell, a shadow erupted like a venomous snake lying in wait.
In an instant, the ground seemed to come alive, twisting and rolling uncontrollably. Before long, the once solid earth transformed into countless grotesque and terrifying Puppet Masters, their features twisted and contorted.
They opened their gaping mouths and brandished sharp claws, emitting chilling howls that echoed like the roars of Evil Spirits from the depths of Nine Nether Hell, sending shivers down spines and raising goosebumps.
The villagers recoiled in fear; their weapons felt heavy and useless in their hands. Panic spread through the crowd, with some even dropping their weapons and turning to flee.
At that moment, a figure stepped in front of Xuan Yang like a wall, halting the villagers' advance.
“Stop!”
Qu Si Yang stood before Xuan Yang, her gaze resolute as if she were an insurmountable mountain radiating an aura of inviolable authority. A faint blue halo surrounded her, enveloping both her and Xuan Yang like a massive protective shield.
The villagers were taken aback; they never expected the gentle Qu Si Yang would stand up for Xuan Yang.
What is this? Has Qu Si Yang been bewitched by this disaster?
“Si Yang, are you crazy? He’s a disaster!” one villager shouted, his voice filled with worry and confusion mixed with anger. This could get you killed!
Qu Si Yang ignored him and turned to look at Xuan Yang instead, her eyes filled with concern as if checking to see if he was hurt.
"Are you okay?" Her voice was gentle yet firm, carrying a hint of barely perceptible tremor, a slight side effect from overusing her ability.
Xuan Yang looked at her, a warm surge rising in his heart, a feeling he had never experienced before—warm yet unfamiliar, leaving him somewhat at a loss. Damn, this girl...
"I'm fine." He reached out, gently caressing her cheek, his gaze filled with tenderness, his movements as delicate as if he were handling a precious porcelain piece.
Qu Si Yang's cheeks flushed slightly; she lowered her head, unable to meet Xuan Yang's eyes, her heart pounding like a drum.
"Watch out!"
Suddenly, a villager swung a hoe, darting around the edge of the protective barrier towards Qu Si Yang. The hoe came fast and fierce, slicing through the air with a whoosh; if it struck true, the consequences would be dire.
Xuan Yang reacted swiftly, pulling her behind him just in time. Meanwhile, his shadow transformed into a shield, blocking the attack.
With a loud clang and sparks flying, the Shadow Shield trembled slightly but ultimately absorbed the blow.
"Seeking death!"
A glint of cold light flashed in Xuan Yang's eyes. How dare they touch my people! The shadow morphed into a blade and shot out like lightning, piercing through the villager's chest.
The villagers recoiled in terror; they had not expected Xuan Yang to be so ruthless and merciless. This guy is truly a demon!
"If you don't want to die, get lost!"
Xuan Yang said coldly, his voice laced with murderous intent, like a death knell from hell.
The villagers dared not advance any further; they dropped their weapons and scattered like frightened dogs, fearing that if they were slow, they would lose their lives.
Outside the dilapidated temple, Lu Zhiyuan watched this scene unfold, a glint of malice flashing in his eyes as he curled his lips into a cold smile.
"It seems the plan needs to be moved up," he murmured to himself, his tone tinged with excitement and anticipation as if he could already foresee everything that was about to happen.
He turned and left, his figure disappearing into the night like a ghost—silent and unseen.
Inside the dilapidated temple, Xuan Yang held Qu Si Yang tightly in his arms, his eyes filled with tenderness, as if he wanted to melt her away with his warmth.
"Thank you," he said, his voice deep and hoarse, carrying a barely perceptible tremor—a mix of relief and emotion after surviving a harrowing ordeal.
Qu Si Yang leaned against his chest, listening to the strong rhythm of his heartbeat, feeling a profound sense of security as if she had found a harbor to rely on.
"I'm fine," she lifted her head to look at Xuan Yang, her gaze filled with love, resolute and unwavering.
"I will always protect you." Her voice was soft yet undeniably firm, as if making a vow or a promise.
Xuan Yang gazed at her, his heart swelling with emotion, a warm current spreading throughout his body, filling him with immense warmth and happiness.
"So will I." He lowered his head and kissed her forehead—a gentle kiss imbued with deep love and gratitude.
The air in the broken temple was thick with sweetness, as if everything had transformed into something beautiful, brimming with hope and light.
However, unbeknownst to them, danger was quietly approaching, lurking like a venomous snake in the shadows, ready to strike at any moment.
A dark figure appeared outside the temple, concealed in darkness, eyes gleaming with greed and desire like a hungry wolf, fixated on the two inside the temple.
"Puppet Master, I have finally found you."
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