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墨書 Inktalez
My name is Wing Spirit. Although it doesn't sound pleasant, it is the first name I have in this world.
Su Yi once said that creating a companion is quite simple for those of us who practice cultivation. Generally, a deity would use their own soul to give life to a creature, transforming it into a human or spirit to accompany them.
"But my master said my soul cannot be separated; if it is, I will die. At first, I didn't believe him and forcibly tried to separate my soul to give it to a small blade of grass, hoping it would become my friend. That time, I almost died. My master expended most of his cultivation to save me. Since then, even though I envy others who have companions, I dare not wish for one anymore."
"Since my birth, I have brought death to everyone in the village. Many say I am ominous; only my master was willing to take me in and teach me. I cannot let him down, so I have always been obedient and worked hard to bring glory to the Su Family. I did achieve that, thinking I would gain more friends, but those people began to distance themselves from me. They called me a monster and refused to get close. Sometimes, when I look at the demons I've killed, I feel like a devil in my own slaughter."
As she spoke of these things, her expression grew somber. She pressed her lips together and shook her head dismissively at the sorrowful loneliness.
"However, it's fortunate that my master has never abandoned me. Just recently, he told me that I could transform my shadow into a spirit. Although it won't live like a human, it will alleviate my loneliness."
She grabbed my hand tightly, trembling with excitement. "Wing Spirit, don't worry or feel inferior. Even though you are just a shadow and seem insignificant in many people's eyes, you are my most important friend, Su Yi. This is Xiuling Mountain of the Su Family, rich in spiritual energy. If you follow me and cultivate well, absorbing that celestial energy, one day you will transform into a true spirit. Then I will find a soul for you so that you can become just like me!"
Su Yi isn't someone who talks much; aside from eating and sleeping, she spends most of her time cultivating. I've seen her capture demons with grace and bravery; she is known as a heroine among women.
Her words are meant only for me. When there's nothing else to do, she pulls me along and tells me countless stories, taking me out to play. When faced with others' mocking doubts, she always protects me. Knowing that I understand nothing, she ensures that I never suffer losses—just like a caring mother.
This is completely different from the Su Yi I encountered in their words or in Emerald Valley; she is so pure and uncalculating that it makes me feel like my existence is a significant mistake.
This world is beautiful—so beautiful that even as a shadow, I long to become human: to wear beautiful clothes, eat delicious food, and slay demons like Su Yi does while laughing proudly at the heavens and earth.
Every time I gaze enviously at the world outside, Su Yi embraces me and softly comforts me: "As long as your faith remains strong, one day you will become a true spirit. When that time comes, I will help you fulfill your wishes."
I nodded vigorously, truly believing her words.
“Wing Spirit, there have been reports of demon attacks around Rong Town. Recently, the demon realm has been continuously targeting both the human and underworld. There must be a larger conspiracy at play. My master has ordered me to protect the people of Rong Town. I will be gone for half a month, so you need to stay here well. If anyone bullies you, just go find my master; he will understand.”
At that time, I had no idea that her departure would mark the beginning of many events to come.
Just two days after Su Yi left, I was bullied. They took advantage of my inability to speak and, knowing my fear of darkness, lured me into a cold cave and locked me inside. They even caught many disgusting bugs to scare me.
It just so happened that Su Yi’s master was away for two days, which made them even more audacious. As disciples of the Su Family, instead of slaying demons, they bullied a mute shadow like me.
I don’t know how long I was trapped in the darkness, but when I finally saw the light again, I rushed out like the wind. Only after feeling the pure brightness outside did I feel a sense of Anxin.
Although I now had thoughts, all the actions and ideas of the shadow were beyond my control. I could only observe what happened in my past life through this shadow.
So when I saw that familiar man—who felt like an eternity apart after just one day—I didn’t feel that uncontrollable excitement. Instead, it was as if I were seeing a stranger; he seemed somewhat handsome, but nothing more.
The Crimson Purple Dragon-patterned Robe and Pure Gold Nine Tripod Dragon Crown were not something ordinary people could wear. Even if this shadow didn’t recognize him, it could still be awed by his innate powerful presence.
His gaze wasn’t cold but neither was it warm; he squinted slightly as I blinked innocently at him.
This seemed to amuse him greatly as he burst into laughter. “I just wanted to come in and rest for a while, but didn’t expect to find a creature inside. You’re quite an interesting shadow—neither spirit nor demon—yet you’re not afraid of me at all. Do you know who I am?”
I wanted to say that I did know, but the shadow shook its head instead. He suddenly walked toward me—not closer—but past me as he left. I remained still, watching his face until he abruptly stopped and turned to me. “You carry the scent of the Su Family. Whose shadow are you?”
I opened my mouth, but no sound came out. He frowned slightly but did not linger, waving his hand as he walked away. "Whoever you are, you won't live long."
The shadow grew angry and ran in front of him, glaring fiercely. He was taken aback, then a playful expression crossed his face as he clasped his hands together. "Are you upset?"
The shadow nodded vigorously, trying hard to mimic the angry expressions of others. But with its pitch-black face, it was impossible to discern any emotion; to everyone else, I was just a mass of darkness, devoid of expression or feeling.
It pointed at a person passing by in the distance and poked at the air insistently, conveying the message that I would not die and that I would become human.
I didn't expect him to understand, as even Su Yi sometimes struggled to grasp what I meant. Yet he said, "You look so angry and are pointing at that person. Are you trying to tell me that you want to live like a human?"
I was taken aback and then nodded vigorously; he could clearly see my exaggerated movements.
What surprised me more was that he could actually read my expression and understand my meaning.
"Interesting," he laughed heartily. "You are the most interesting shadow I've ever encountered. Meeting you here today feels like fate. How about we make a bet? If you can make me owe you a favor, I will do everything in my power to turn you into a human with a soul and form."
The shadow paused, withdrawing its hand and falling silent.
I was shocked; I never imagined that such an opportunity would arise from what seemed like a joke, yet it had become something so genuine.
He patted my shoulder. "Little Shadow, you're the first one who has made me say something like this. Give me some kind of response or let me know your name."
I couldn't speak, but Su Yi had taught me how to write my name. She had said that even illiterate humans would write their names because names are important.
I knelt on the ground, painstakingly writing two large characters in the dirt, only to be met with his derisive laughter. "Such ugly handwriting paired with such an unpleasant name, I suppose it’s a perfect match."
I shot him an angry glare, and he raised an eyebrow in response, as if to say that if I had the ability, I could settle the score with him. "You are the shadow of Su Yi, the eldest disciple of the Su Family?"
I nodded, hoping to glean some information about Su Yi from his eyes.
"What kind of look is that? Do you think I know Su Yi?" He poked my forehead hard, causing me to retreat and cover my head in pain. He laughed and continued, "I’m of a different race than her; how could I possibly know her? But I've heard of her reputation. At such a young age, she’s already so formidable—truly a treasure for the Su Family. Since you are her shadow, you should focus on your cultivation."
With that, he stood up and walked away. I watched him leave with a sense of sorrow. Even though he was far off now, his voice still clearly reached my ears.
"Don’t worry; I keep my promises. Helping you become an adult will also mean that the Su Family owes me a great favor. When the time comes, whatever I want from the Su Family, they will comply. So, Little Shadow, work hard! I'll be staying in this world for a while."
I stared blankly at his retreating figure, looking down at my dusty palms, feeling a mix of emotions inside.
Was my coming of age merely a game or a carefully orchestrated scheme?
That day, I sat there dazed for half the afternoon until it was nearly dark before I returned home. I hid in my room, too afraid to go out until Su Yi came back.
This time she didn’t return alone; she brought a young man with her. When I saw him, I was startled—it was Jun Rui.
At this moment, Jun Rui appeared like a refined gentleman, devoid of the unpredictable demeanor I would later witness. He wore a bright smile.
"Master, he saved my life in a moment of danger. Since he has something to discuss with you, I brought him back with me."
“Underworld Nobility, what do you want from me?”
I only knew that Su Yi's master asked this question, and then the three of them closed the door. As a shadow, I could only return to Su Yi's courtyard.
Feeling the beautiful sky outside, I walked to the small stream in the courtyard, gazing at the dark reflection on the water's surface, foolishly wondering when I would become human.
It was because I had nothing that I developed thoughts about things I could not touch. The first beings I encountered were humans, which is why I wanted to become one, with a belief as deep-rooted in my heart as Su Yi's.
But to become human, one must possess a soul and a beating heart.
I had neither.
A gentle breeze brushed against my face, swaying the lush green grass. They, like me, must long for robust growth. Yet not all beings can fulfill their wishes.
Wishes require effort to yield results.
I did not know what Jun Rui discussed with Su Yi's master, but he stayed at the Su Family from then on, visiting Su Yi every day. It was evident that he liked her.
However, Su Yi did not like him.
Until one day, when Jun Rui found me while Su Yi was away. The first thing he said upon meeting me was, “You smell like my brother.”
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