Xuan Yang cautiously stepped onto the rugged, moss-covered stone path, slowly making his way deeper into the dilapidated ancient temple. He couldn't help but mutter, "Damn it, this crumbling temple looks downright eerie. What on earth did Dad send me here to find?"
As Xuan Yang truly entered the temple's interior, a chill shot up his spine. It was far more sinister inside than it appeared from the outside; rather than a temple, it felt more like a genuine haunt for spirits. A cold wind swept through, causing him to shiver uncontrollably.
The decayed wooden beams overhead seemed ready to collapse at any moment, swaying precariously above him. They creaked ominously, sounding as if thousands of tiny insects were voraciously gnawing at the wood. Each creak struck Xuan Yang's heart like a heavy hammer, stirring an involuntary fear within him—could there really be ghosts lurking here?
Looking around, he saw thick cobwebs draping everything like shrouds of death. The layers of dense webs resembled grotesque, twisted faces that flickered in the dim light. Xuan Yang was nearly sickened by the sight and couldn't help but exclaim, "What the hell, this is just disgusting!"
The air was thick with dust and mildew, making it hard to breathe. Xuan Yang covered his nose; the stench was worse than a latrine!
He moved forward cautiously, each step taken with utmost care. This wretched place could be hiding any number of dangers. His father's warnings echoed in his mind, leaving him uneasy.
Shadows... Shadows... That name clung to him like a nightmare. What kind of entity could instill such fear in his father?
Suddenly, he halted in his tracks. Before him stood a stone tablet. How had he not noticed it before?
The tablet towered high, its surface covered in ancient runes that emitted an unusual glow. The runes flickered erratically as if breathing or whispering, exuding a mysterious power.
Xuan Yang felt a stir of excitement; this stone tablet seemed to possess some special force. Could this be what Dad wanted him to find?
He reached out and gently touched the tablet. Buzz! A powerful energy surged from it, enveloping him instantly. It felt like an electric shock—tingling yet accompanied by a strange warmth.
Xuan Yang sensed his consciousness being pulled into an extraordinary space—a chaotic realm reminiscent of the universe's dawn. What on earth? Where am I?
Then, images began to clarify. An ancient sect appeared before him: the Puppet Sect. Its grand architecture stood in majestic rows, resembling a paradise beyond imagination.
Within the sect, countless figures flitted about like phantoms. In their hands, they manipulated various Puppet Masters, akin to marionettes at their command. These Puppet Masters resembled humans, beasts, and even… shadows.
Xuan Yang felt a jolt of surprise. Shadows? Could this be the origin of the Shadow Puppet?
The scene shifted again. A colossal figure appeared before him. It loomed like a demonic deity, exuding a terrifying aura that pressed down on Xuan Yang, making it hard for him to breathe, as if it intended to crush him.
In his hand, he held a black longsword that emitted a dark glow, resembling a deathly light from hell. The name "Shadow" resurfaced in Xuan Yang's mind, sending chills down his spine.
In the vision, the shadow wielded the longsword like the Grim Reaper, reaping lives mercilessly. Countless figures fell beneath its blade, blood flowing like rivers. The Puppet Sect was obliterated. This scene resembled a hell on earth, unbearable to witness.
Xuan Yang's heart was filled with shock. Is this… the power of the shadow? It’s terrifying! This is nothing short of apocalyptic power!
The scene changed once more. A young figure appeared before him. Clad in white robes and wielding a longsword, he stood against the shadow. The white attire was as pure as snow; his stature was upright, resembling a sharp sword pointing toward the heavens.
Puppet Master. Xuan Yang's heart stirred. Could it be… he is the reincarnation of the Puppet Master? This figure in white evoked an inexplicable sense of familiarity within him, as if resonating from deep within his soul.
In the vision, the Puppet Master engaged in a fierce battle with the shadow. Sword lights flickered like lightning slicing through the night sky. Their powers were evenly matched, neither able to gain the upper hand. This battle shook the heavens and earth, eclipsing sun and moon.
Ultimately, the Puppet Master sacrificed himself to seal away the shadow. The figure in white transformed into specks of starlight, dissipating between heaven and earth.
The vision faded away. Xuan Yang's consciousness returned to reality. He stood before the stone tablet, trembling as if he had just emerged from a nightmare. Was… was all of this real?
Puppet Sect, shadow, Puppet Master… these names echoed in his mind, refusing to fade away. He finally understood what his father's warning meant. The shadow is the true enemy.
He was the reincarnation of the Puppet Master, bearing the daunting mission of sealing away the terrifying shadows that instilled fear in all. This seemingly ordinary little village concealed an astonishing secret known to none.
He understood that this journey was fraught with danger and challenges, requiring him to tread carefully and be vigilant at every step. More importantly, he needed to continuously strengthen himself!
At that moment, without warning, he suddenly felt an overwhelming and unmatched power surging forth from within him.
The Shadow Puppet, which had remained dormant for so long, abruptly awakened at this instant!
This power was like a mighty dragon that had been lying in wait, finally roused from its deep slumber.
He slowly extended a hand, and the shadow, once as dark as ink, sprang to life, joyfully dancing in his palm as if it possessed a spirit of its own.
At that moment, an unprecedented sense of fulfillment and confidence surged within him. He felt as if he had transformed into a deity descending from the heavens, endowed with extraordinary abilities to conquer all difficulties and obstacles.
Could this be the mysterious power contained within the legendary Shadow Puppet?
He lifted his head slightly, his gaze resolutely fixed on the depths of the dilapidated temple. A flash of determination crossed his eyes.
No matter what treacherous dangers and trials awaited him ahead, he would not retreat; he vowed to forge ahead boldly and face whatever came with calm resolve!
Without hesitation, he stepped forward, striding into the unknown darkness... Just then, a cacophony of noise suddenly erupted from outside the crumbling temple. "Not good, someone is coming!" he thought alarmingly. His steps faltered for a moment, but after a brief hesitation, he quickened his pace again and rushed into the depths of darkness without looking back.
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