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墨書 Inktalez
The night was as dark as ink, as if the entire world had been drenched in black liquid.
In the training cave of the Puppet Sect's back mountain, Xuan Yang sat cross-legged, surrounded by a faint layer of black mist that seemed to move with a life of its own.
Xuan Yang's Dual Eyes were tightly shut, his brow slightly furrowed, as if he were enduring some form of pain. His shadow twisted and writhed against the stone wall, as if trying to break free from his constraints and gain its own freedom.
"The third realm of Puppet Heart requires the complete fusion of shadow and spirit..." Xuan Yang murmured softly, a hint of anxiety and helplessness in his voice.
He had been attempting this for a full seven days but had yet to break through the invisible barrier that prevented his shadow and spirit from truly merging.
Sweat trickled down his forehead, soaking his clothes. His breathing became somewhat rapid, clearly indicating that this endeavor was no easy feat for him.
However, just as he was fully concentrated, a faint sound of footsteps suddenly echoed from outside the cave. The sound was soft, like leaves brushing against stone steps, but it did not escape Xuan Yang's keen perception.
"Who?" Xuan Yang suddenly opened his Dual Eyes, a glimmer of alertness flashing within them.
His shadow seemed startled, instantly retracting beneath his feet before swiftly condensing into a pitch-black dagger that hovered above his palm, emanating a chilling light that sent shivers down one’s spine.
"Good reflexes," a hoarse voice slowly emerged from the darkness.
Then, a figure cloaked in black stepped out from the shadows. He wore a Bronze Mask on his face, which was etched with a bizarre Single Eye that sent chills down one’s spine.
Xuan Yang stared at the cloaked figure, silently pondering: "This is a Shadow Scout!"
Xuan Yang's pupils constricted. Ever since the last Sect Turmoil, members of the Shadow Force had appeared around him like persistent thorns, probing and seemingly waiting for an opportunity.
"What? The shadows dare to invade even the forbidden grounds of the Puppet Sect now?" Xuan Yang sneered, his shadow dagger trembling slightly, ready to strike at any moment.
"Don't be so tense." The cloaked figure let out a low chuckle, as if he found Xuan Yang's vigilance amusing. He slowly raised his hand and casually tossed a pitch-black jade slip towards Xuan Yang as if it were merely a stone.
Seeing this, Xuan Yang did not reach out directly to catch the jade slip; instead, he swiftly manipulated his shadow to glide over like a ghost and securely hold the jade slip in mid-air.
His movements flowed like water, clearly showcasing his confidence in his shadow manipulation skills.
However, when his gaze fell upon the jade slip, his brows furrowed tightly.
On the dark jade slip were inscribed three blood-red characters—“Shadow Dance Technique.” These words exuded a strange and sinister aura that sent chills down one’s spine.
“This is the secret art of Shadow Line, far superior to your half-baked Shadow Puppet,” the voice of the man in black robes carried a hint of mockery, seemingly ridiculing Xuan Yang's lack of strength.
Xuan Yang's expression darkened; he knew all too well what the secret art of Shadow Line entailed. Such techniques often concealed immense risks and costs. If practiced improperly, one could easily fall into madness or even face life-threatening consequences.
“Do you dare to practice it?” the man in black provocatively asked, his tone dripping with disdain and sarcasm.
A glint of cold light flashed in Xuan Yang's eyes as his shadow suddenly shot out like lightning, the dagger aimed directly at the throat of the man in black!
The strike was as swift as a gale and brutally fierce, clearly a full-force attack fueled by Xuan Yang's anger.
However, the man in black dissipated like smoke, effortlessly evading Xuan Yang's assault.
His figure reformed several feet away, accompanied by a chilling laugh: “You've got quite the temper, but unfortunately… your strength still falls short.”
Before his words faded, the man in black vanished completely into the darkness, leaving behind a final echoing remark in the cave: “If you want true power, don’t hide under the protection of Sect.”
Xuan Yang clenched his fists tightly, his gaze fixed on the floating Shadow Dance Technique before him.
He understood well that this seemingly tempting manual was actually a trap laden with great danger. Yet deep within himself, he also recognized that it was an opportunity not to be missed.
The next morning, sunlight bathed Xuan Yang as he did not visit Master of Puppet Sect as usual. Instead, he quietly made his way to the Trial Arena alone.
Standing in the open space, Xuan Yang took a deep breath and slowly closed his eyes, beginning to channel the spiritual energy within him.
He focused his mind, recalling the profound meanings from both Puppet Heart and Shadow Dance Technique, attempting to merge the two together.
As his thoughts guided him, the spiritual energy within him began to flow along a completely new path.
"Shadows are the opposite of light, the extension of the soul..." Xuan Yang murmured softly, as if conversing with the shadows.
Suddenly, he felt the shadow beneath his feet come alive, surging violently.
The shadows twisted and rolled on the ground, and then they slowly split into three distinct forms! Xuan Yang's heart raced; could this be a sign of successful fusion?
However, before he could revel in his excitement, an unexpected turn of events occurred. The three shadows suddenly seemed to lose control, beginning to tear and entangle with one another.
Xuan Yang felt as though his soul had been struck by a heavy hammer, a sharp pain coursing through him, and he couldn't help but spit out a mouthful of blood!
"Forcefully fusing different systems of techniques is simply courting death!" At that moment, a commanding voice suddenly rang in Xuan Yang's ears.
He looked up in shock to see the Master of the Puppet Sect standing before him, gazing at him with a deep and stern expression.
"Master..." Xuan Yang struggled to wipe the blood from the corner of his mouth, managing a bitter smile. "I just wanted to become stronger."
The Master was silent for a moment before suddenly raising his hand, sending a beam of golden light into Xuan Yang's forehead.
"The true essence of Puppet Heart is not to control shadows but to make them your 'other body.'"
Xuan Yang shuddered as countless profound runes appeared in his mind. The previously restless three shadows gradually calmed down, ultimately moving in accordance with his will!
"The Shadow Clone Technique... it's complete!"
Three days later, the Sect competition commenced.
Li Xue stood on the arena, sneering as she looked at Xuan Yang. "What's wrong? Did you get lucky last time? Are you brave enough to come again?"
Xuan Yang did not respond; he simply raised his hand slowly.
In the next moment—
**"Swish! Swish! Swish!"**
Three identical figures split from the shadows, each radiating an aura no weaker than the original!
The crowd gasped in astonishment!
"What... what kind of dark magic is this?!" Li Xue's expression changed drastically as she hurriedly activated her Puppet Master defense, but it was already too late.
The four figures struck simultaneously, using fists, palms, fingers, and claws—four completely different styles of attack that instantly sealed off all her escape routes!
"Boom!"
Li Xue was sent flying by a single blow, crashing heavily against the edge of the arena, disbelief filling her eyes.
Silence enveloped the arena.
The Master stood on the high platform, a barely perceptible smirk curling at the corners of his mouth.
Meanwhile, from the shadows, a Black-Robed Scout quietly retreated, murmuring to himself:
**"As expected... he is the true 'Puppet Master'."**
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