Old Mo stepped closer, continuing to smile as he replied, "Everyone who enters the Phantom Realm has their reasons. Your mark tells me that you did not come here by chance. The Phantom Realm is undergoing some changes, and we need people like you."
Lin Yu felt a wave of dizziness; everything that had happened today was beyond his comprehension. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. "I need to know more. What is this mark? Why do I possess this power?"
Old Mo nodded. "The mark is a gift from the Phantom Realm, but it is also a curse. It grants you power, but it also carries responsibility. As for why you have it..." Old Mo looked at him meaningfully, "it may be related to your family's secrets."
"Family?" Lin Yu furrowed his brow. "My parents are ordinary people; they..."
"There are some things they may not even know themselves," Old Mo interrupted. "But now is not the time to discuss this. You have attracted the attention of certain entities, and we must leave here quickly."
As if to confirm Old Mo's words, a chilling howl echoed from afar. Lin Yu felt a shiver run down his spine; the sound was filled with primal ferocity and murderous intent.
"What was that?" Lin Yu instinctively asked, momentarily forgetting his questions about Old Mo's identity in his anxiety.
Old Mo's expression grew serious. "That is a Predator, one of the most dangerous creatures in the Phantom Realm. They can sense the presence of newcomers." He turned and walked deeper into the forest. "Follow me; I'll take you to a safe place."
Lin Yu hesitated for a moment, but the approaching howl urged him to make a decision. He quickly followed Old Mo, keeping a vigilant eye on his surroundings. The light in the forest grew dimmer as the purple sky was gradually obscured by dense treetops. The air was thick with a decaying scent, and the ground beneath his feet became soft and damp.
"Focus your attention and feel the energy within you," Old Mo said as they walked. "Try to guide it to your feet so you can move faster and more steadily."
Following Old Mo's instructions, Lin Yu closed his eyes and felt a warm current at his wrist. Gradually, he sensed that energy flowing through his veins, especially into his legs. When he opened his eyes again, he found that he could easily leap over obstacles and navigate the complex terrain with ease.
"Very good," Old Mo nodded in approval. "You learn quickly. But remember, in the Phantom Realm, strength alone is not enough. You need wisdom, judgment, and above all, courage."
Lin Yu nodded in acknowledgment but recalled he still had many questions. Seizing the moment, he asked, "Old Mo, did you also come from the real world? How long have you been in the Phantom Realm? Why don't you go back?"
"Yes, I also came from the real world. I arrived here when I was young and stayed because I couldn't find a way back."
"Oh, you've been here so long without finding a way back—does that mean I won't be able to return either?"
Old Mo shook his head. "It's not like that. Besides personal strength, there are opportunities involved as well. Young man, for now, don't ask so many questions; some information will reveal itself in time while others require exploration..."
Before Old Mo could finish speaking, the bushes ahead suddenly shook violently. Lin Yu immediately assumed a defensive stance as energy surged within him. However, what jumped out from the bushes was not a terrifying monster but a creature resembling a fox.
This creature was entirely white with silver specks shimmering in its fur. It had bright blue eyes and bore a symbol on its forehead similar to the one on Lin Yu's wrist. Most intriguingly, it had three tails, each emitting a faint glow.
"What is this..." Lin Yu stared at the little creature in surprise.
" Phantom Spirit Fox," Old Mo explained. "One of the smartest beings in the Phantom Realm. They usually don't approach humans unless..." Old Mo looked at Lin Yu thoughtfully, "unless they consider that person special."
The Phantom Spirit Fox tilted its head and examined Lin Yu for a moment before suddenly jumping onto his shoulder. Lin Yu was startled but soon realized that this little creature meant no harm; instead, it radiated warmth that made him feel inexplicably reassured.
"It seems it has chosen you," Old Mo said with a smile. "That's a good sign. The Phantom Spirit Fox can sense danger; with it by your side, we will be much safer."
Just then, another howl from the Predator echoed from afar—this time much closer than before. Old Mo's expression turned grave: "We need to pick up the pace. Stay close to me and don’t fall behind."
The three of them—if you count the Phantom Spirit Fox—moved swiftly through the forest. Lin Yu could feel that as they ventured deeper, the energy around them intensified. An unsettling restlessness hung in the air, as if the entire forest was watching them.
Suddenly, the Phantom Spirit Fox's fur bristled, emitting a low warning growl. Old Mo immediately halted, raising his hand to signal Lin Yu to remain silent. Lin Yu held his breath, listening intently to the sounds around him.
At first, he heard nothing. But soon, he noticed a slight tremor in the ground, accompanied by the sound of branches snapping in the distance. The noise grew closer, along with heavy footsteps and labored breathing.
Old Mo whispered, "It's a Stone Giant, one of the guardians of the Phantom Realm. They usually don't attack unless we intrude on their territory..."
Before he could finish his sentence, a massive figure emerged from the thicket. It was a giant made of rock, standing at least five meters tall, leaving deep footprints with each step. Its eyes were two glowing gems, radiating a dangerous red light.
Lin Yu felt his heart race; he could sense the immense energy emanating from the Stone Giant. Just then, the mark on his wrist began to burn, and energy surged uncontrollably within him.
The Stone Giant seemed to sense something; it turned towards Lin Yu and let out a deep roar. Old Mo immediately positioned himself in front of Lin Yu, raising his Wooden Staff. "Step back! He is The Chosen One!"
But the Stone Giant appeared unfazed. It raised its enormous stone fist and swung it towards the two of them. Instinctively, Lin Yu raised his hand, and a beam of golden light shot from his palm, colliding with the giant's fist. The tremendous impact knocked Lin Yu back several steps, but he managed to block the Stone Giant's attack.
That was close! Lin Yu realized that without the power of the mark just now, he would have been crushed by that stone fist.
"Very good," Old Mo praised. "Now, try to condense your energy into a shield."
Hearing Old Mo's words, Lin Yu had no choice but to believe him. He took a deep breath and guided the energy within him into his hands. A golden light shield formed before him just in time to block the Stone Giant's second strike. This time, he stood firm and did not get knocked back.
Comment 0 Comment Count