Inside the dilapidated temple, the once tranquil 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 the villagers' eyes filled with fear and rage, making them appear as a pack of enraged beasts, fixated on their prey, ready to pounce at a moment's notice.
Standing at the center of the crumbling temple was Xuan Yang, his expression impassive as he slowly turned his body, casting a cold and slightly disdainful gaze over the aggressive villagers surrounding him.
A barely perceptible smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth, revealing his contempt without reservation.
He inwardly cursed, "Hmph, what a bunch of ignorant rabble!"
Then, he coldly spat out a scornful remark, "You think you can block my path with your pathetic efforts?"
As soon as his words fell, a shadow surged forth like a venomous snake lurking in the dark, ready to strike.
In an instant, the ground seemed to come alive, twisting and rolling uncontrollably. In the blink of an eye, the once solid earth transformed into countless grotesque and terrifying Puppet Masters, their features twisted and deformed.
They opened their gaping maws and brandished sharp claws, emitting chilling howls that echoed like demons from the depths of hell, sending shivers down spines and raising hairs on necks.
The villagers recoiled in fear, their weapons feeling weak in their hands. Panic spread through the crowd; some even dropped their weapons and turned 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 glow enveloped her and Xuan Yang like a massive protective shield.
The villagers were taken aback; they had not expected the usually gentle Qu Si Yang to stand up for Xuan Yang.
What was going on? Was Qu Si Yang also bewitched by this disaster-bringer?
"Si Yang, are you crazy? He is a disaster!" one villager shouted loudly, his voice filled with concern and confusion mixed with anger. This could get you killed!
Qu Si Yang ignored him and turned to look at Xuan Yang, 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 slight tremor that was barely perceptible, a result of overusing her abilities.
Xuan Yang looked at her, a warm surge rising in his heart, an unfamiliar feeling that was both comforting and strange, leaving him somewhat bewildered. 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 piece of porcelain.
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 and aiming it at Qu Si Yang. The hoe came fast and fierce, slicing through the air with a whoosh; if it struck, the consequences would be dire.
Xuan Yang reacted swiftly, pulling her behind him just in time. At the same moment, his shadow transformed into a shield, blocking the attack.
With a loud clang, sparks flew as the shadow shield trembled slightly but ultimately absorbed the blow.
"Looking for death!"
A glint of cold light flashed in Xuan Yang's eyes. How dare they touch my people! The shadow morphed into a sword, shooting out like lightning and piercing through the villager's chest.
The villagers recoiled in terror; they hadn't expected Xuan Yang to be so ruthless and merciless. This guy was 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 warrant from hell.
The villagers dared not advance any further; they dropped their weapons and scattered in all directions like frightened dogs, fearing that if they ran slowly they might lose their lives.
Outside the dilapidated temple, Lu Zhiyuan watched this scene unfold with a glint of malice in his eyes, a cold smile creeping onto his lips.
"It seems the plan needs to be moved up," he murmured to himself, his tone filled 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, leaving no trace behind.
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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