The chilling, bone-deep laughter of the shadow echoed like the voice of a demon from the Nine Nether Underworld, reverberating in Xuan Yang's ears and causing him to tremble uncontrollably. A wave of cold surged from his spine to his brain, leaving him feeling horrified and shivering.
Xuan Yang struggled desperately to rise, but he was astonished to find that his body felt as if it were filled with heavy lead, impossibly weighty. Even with all his strength, he could barely move an inch.
"Who... exactly are you?" Xuan Yang gritted his teeth and forced the words out from his throat, but his voice had become hoarse and unpleasant, like a worn-out bellows gasping for breath.
In response to Xuan Yang's question, the shadow remained silent.
He slowly crouched down, his pitch-black eyes resembling an unfathomable abyss, emanating a chilling light that made one’s heart race. He stared intently at Xuan Yang, as if trying to peer through his body to glimpse the depths of his soul.
"The immense power hidden within you is gradually awakening."
Finally, the shadow spoke, his voice deep and magnetic, like a highly venomous snake revealing its crimson tongue, sending shivers down one’s spine.
At these words, Xuan Yang's heart jolted. An indescribable fear surged within him.
He knew very well that a monumental secret lay hidden within him, one that could completely alter the trajectory of his life once revealed.
The shadow slowly extended a hand, clad in a black glove that looked ominous and terrifying, resembling the claw of an Evil Spirit.
As he moved his arm, the black-gloved hand inched closer to Xuan Yang's neck.
Just as this life-threatening moment unfolded, a brilliant flash of fire suddenly erupted, striking towards the shadow with blinding speed and forcing him to retreat several steps.
It was Qu Si Yang who had arrived just in time to save him!
Wielding her staff, her eyes filled with anger and determination, she stood before Xuan Yang like a Guardian Deity.
"Do not harm him!" Qu Si Yang's voice rang out clear and resolute, echoing like thunder in the air.
The shadow let out a cold laugh, its figure darting like a ghost through the flames, evading Qu Si Yang's attacks.
"Little girl, your power is still too weak," the shadow's voice whispered like a low murmur from hell, filled with disdain and mockery.
Qu Si Yang ignored the taunt, her staff swinging faster in her hands as waves of fire shot towards the shadow like a meteor shower.
However, the shadow moved too swiftly, like a bolt of black lightning, weaving effortlessly through the flames without sustaining a scratch.
Damn it! How am I supposed to fight this? Qu Si Yang felt a surge of anxiety but was powerless to change the situation.
Suddenly, an ancient voice boomed, resonating through the air like a great bell.
"Stop!"
It was Lu Zhiyuan!
He stood high above, clad in a gray robe, his hair white yet his face youthful, resembling an enlightened sage while emanating an elusive aura.
The shadow halted its assault and turned to face Lu Zhiyuan, a flicker of wariness crossing its eyes.
"Old Village Chief, you finally decided to show yourself," the shadow's voice dripped with sarcasm.
Lu Zhiyuan paid no heed to the mockery; he simply gazed at the shadow with eyes full of complex emotions, as if hiding some secret.
"Shadow, why are you attacking our village?" Lu Zhiyuan's voice was deep and powerful, like a judgment being passed.
The shadow sneered and replied, "I just want to reclaim what belongs to me."
"What belongs to you?" Lu Zhiyuan furrowed his brow, a hint of confusion flashing in his eyes.
"Very well," Shadow nodded and said, "Puppet Heart."
Xuan Yang's heart trembled; he understood that the "Puppet Heart" Shadow referred to was the source of power hidden within him.
"The Puppet Heart is the Guardian Deity of our village. You will never obtain it!" Lu Zhiyuan's voice was filled with anger and determination.
Shadow let out a cold laugh and replied, "Then let's see what you can do."
As soon as the words left his mouth, Shadow flickered and lunged at Lu Zhiyuan like a ghost.
Lu Zhiyuan was already prepared. A simple Puppet Master made of rope appeared in his hand, moving with the agility of a living creature to block Shadow's attack.
The two engaged in battle, their figures flashing like lightning as they collided in midair, creating a series of thunderous sounds.
Seeing this, Qu Si Yang quickly led Xuan Yang away from the battlefield to a safe place.
"Xuan Yang, are you alright?" Qu Si Yang asked with concern.
Xuan Yang shook his head and replied, "I'm fine."
However, he was filled with confusion and unease, unsure of how this battle would end.
He looked up at the two fighting in the sky and silently prayed for Lu Zhiyuan to defeat Shadow and protect the safety of their village.
Suddenly, Lu Zhiyuan's voice rang out again, booming like thunder and echoing through the air.
"Trial Mission officially activated!"
Xuan Yang's heart jolted as an inexplicable premonition surged within him. He knew that this trial would change his fate.
The Shadow was taken aback, unable to comprehend Lu Zhiyuan's intentions.
Lu Zhiyuan did not explain further; he simply waved his hand, and a powerful force sent the Shadow flying away.
The Shadow crashed heavily to the ground, spitting out a mouthful of blood, his eyes filled with shock and resentment.
"Old Village Chief, you..." the Shadow struggled to speak but found himself at a loss for words.
Lu Zhiyuan ignored him and turned to face the Young Psychics in the village, his voice deep and commanding.
"Children, now is the time for you to prove yourselves."
The Young Psychics exchanged glances, unsure of what was happening.
Lu Zhiyuan continued, "To protect our village and to seek the lost Puppet Heart, I have decided to initiate the Trial Mission."
"Trial Mission?" The Young Psychics were puzzled.
Lu Zhiyuan explained, "The Trial Mission is designed to test your strength and courage. Only those who pass the trial will be qualified to become guardians of the village."
"The Puppet Heart is our village's Guardian Deity. Only by finding it can we strengthen our defenses against external threats."
Upon hearing this, the Young Psychics were filled with excitement and eagerly expressed their willingness to participate in the trial.
Lu Zhiyuan nodded and said, "Good. I will arrange for someone to lead you to the trial site."
"Remember, only those who pass the trial can become true heroes."
With that, Lu Zhiyuan turned and walked away, his figure gradually disappearing into the night.
Xuan Yang watched Lu Zhiyuan's departing figure, filled with confusion and unease.
He did not know what challenges this trial would bring him.
But he knew he had to participate in this trial, to protect his village and to seek his destiny.
As night deepened, a tense atmosphere enveloped the village.
The Young Psychics were all preparing for the trial, their hearts brimming with anticipation and excitement, yet also filled with fear and anxiety.
Xuan Yang was also preparing for the trial, quietly sensing the power within him. He understood that this trial would change his life forever.
Would the shadows reappear?
What secrets did Lu Zhiyuan hold?
Where was the Puppet Heart?
All these mysteries would be revealed in the trial.
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