The mocking laughter of the Shadow echoed through the dilapidated temple, as Black Energy surged forth like a tidal wave, carrying with it the scent of destruction, as if it intended to completely engulf the crumbling structure. A chilling aura spread out, sending shivers down the spine.
Xuan Yang's heart tightened. Damn it, this thing looks like trouble! The thick, dark energy resembled an Evil Spirit crawling out from the depths of hell, clawing and gnashing its teeth, exuding an overwhelming sense of oppression.
He pushed Lu Zhiyuan aside. "Village Chief, protect yourself!" The sudden turn of events sent Xuan Yang's adrenaline skyrocketing; he had to ensure the Village Chief's safety and prevent any harm from coming to him.
Lu Zhiyuan opened his mouth to say something but was halted by Xuan Yang's determined gaze. He hesitated, ultimately swallowing his words. He understood that this was not the time for debate; Xuan Yang had grown up and had his own judgments and responsibilities now.
Taking a deep breath, Xuan Yang thought, Damn it, I’ll give it my all! No matter how powerful this shadow is, he could not back down. He must protect himself, protect Xuan Qing, and protect the Village Chief.
He summoned the Puppet Power within him that he had yet to fully master. A strange energy surged through his body, as if a sleeping dragon was awakening. The Shadow Puppet appeared suddenly, flashing like a ghost, standing guard before him and Xuan Qing. The Puppet Master was cloaked in darkness, radiating a cold light like a guardian from hell.
Xuan Qing looked at Xuan Yang's back with a glimmer of appreciation in his eyes. Yang'er, you have finally grown up. He smiled with satisfaction, as if he could see the dawn of hope.
"Shadow, you will not succeed!" Xuan Qing shouted angrily. A powerful wave of energy erupted from within him like a volcanic explosion, unstoppable. This energy collided with the Black Energy, producing a deafening roar as two torrents clashed violently.
The walls of the broken temple trembled violently, as if they would collapse at any moment. Debris fell in showers, dust swirling around; the entire temple seemed to be engulfed in an apocalyptic scene.
Xuan Yang's Shadow Puppet entangled with the Black Energy like two giant serpents biting at each other in a breathtaking spectacle. The Black Energy gnawed relentlessly at the Shadow Puppet while it fought fiercely to resist being consumed by darkness.
The Shadow gazed at Xuan Yang with a flicker of surprise in its eyes. "I didn't expect you could control the Shadow Puppet; it seems you truly are the reincarnation of the Puppet Master." It narrowed its eyes, disbelief lacing its tone.
Xuan Yang sneered coldly. "Shadow, do you think that just because you've unleashed the Shadow Demon you can control everything? You're too naive!" His gaze was resolute, showing no hint of fear.
The Shadow laughed heartily. "What does the power of the Puppet Master matter? In the end, you will still have to submit to me!" Its laughter was filled with arrogance and confidence, as if victory were already assured.
As soon as he finished speaking, the Black Energy surged violently, like a flood breaking through a dam, instantly pushing back Xuan Yang's Shadow Puppet. This overwhelming force made Xuan Yang feel a wave of suffocation, as if a mountain were pressing down on him.
Xuan Yang's heart sank. Damn it, how did the power of this shadow suddenly become so strong? This unexpected change caught him off guard, filling him with confusion and unease.
At that moment, Xuan Qing suddenly stepped in front of Xuan Yang, bracing himself against the impact of the Black Energy. His figure stood like an indomitable barrier, shielding Xuan Yang.
“Dad!” Xuan Yang exclaimed, his eyes instantly reddening. He was filled with worry and guilt; he didn't want his father to get hurt because of him.
A trickle of blood escaped from the corner of Xuan Qing's mouth, his face pale, yet his gaze remained resolute. “Yang'er, don’t worry, I’m fine.” His voice was weak but filled with strength, giving Xuan Yang boundless courage.
As he spoke, he once again summoned the energy within him to counter the Black Energy. His figure resembled an unyielding warrior, fighting fiercely against the darkness.
Xuan Yang looked at Xuan Qing, overwhelmed with guilt and self-reproach. It’s all my fault; if I were strong enough, Dad wouldn’t be hurt. He clenched his fists, filled with anger and frustration.
He gritted his teeth. Damn it, I must defeat the shadow and protect Dad! This intense conviction burned fiercely in his heart, granting him immense strength.
He summoned all of his Puppet Power once more; the Shadow Puppet let out a furious roar, like a beast howling as it charged at the Black Energy again. This force was even stronger and more ferocious than before.
This time, the power of the Shadow Puppet had significantly increased, managing to hold its ground against the Black Energy. The two forces collided with a deafening roar that shook the entire dilapidated temple.
The shadow observed this scene with a hint of surprise in its eyes. “I didn’t expect you to enhance your power; it seems I truly underestimated you.” There was a note of seriousness in its tone now, no longer dismissive as before.
Xuan Yang ignored the shadow; he focused all his attention on controlling the Shadow Puppet. He knew this was his only chance. He had to seize this opportunity to defeat the shadow and protect himself and his family.
He silently recited the teachings of the Puppet Sect, gradually calming his heart. This ancient wisdom flowed through him like a clear spring, cleansing his spirit and allowing him to become more focused.
"To control the shadow with the heart, to transform the shadow into form, the art of the Puppet Master is all in the mind." This teaching echoed in his heart, as if it were a sudden enlightenment.
As he recited the teaching, Xuan Yang felt his connection with the Shadow Puppet grow stronger, as if they had merged into one. He could clearly sense the power of the Shadow Puppet, along with its anger and desire.
The power of the Shadow Puppet surged once more, erupting like a volcano and instantly suppressing the Black Energy. This overwhelming force instilled fear in the shadow; he had never witnessed such a powerful Puppet Master technique.
The shadow's expression changed dramatically, disbelief filling his eyes. "How is this possible? How could you..." Before he could finish his sentence, the Shadow Puppet transformed into a dark silhouette and instantly engulfed him.
The shadow let out a terrible scream before disappearing. His figure shattered like a bubble, vanishing into the darkness.
The Black Energy dissipated as well, and the ruined temple returned to calm. Everything seemed to revert to its original state, though a faint scent of blood lingered in the air.
Xuan Yang collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath. This battle had drained all his strength, leaving him utterly exhausted.
Xuan Qing approached him and gently patted his shoulder. "Yang'er, you did well." His tone was filled with pride and reassurance.
Xuan Yang looked at Xuan Qing, gratitude shining in his eyes. "Dad, thank you." He felt immense appreciation; he knew that without Xuan Qing, he would not have been able to defeat the shadow.
Xuan Qing smiled. "Silly child, we're father and son; there's no need for thanks." His smile radiated warmth and affection.
Suddenly, the ground trembled again, and more cracks appeared on the walls of the ruined temple. This unexpected turn of events made Xuan Yang's heart tighten—could it be that the Shadow Demon was not yet sealed?
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