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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 cultivation 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.
With his Dual Eyes tightly shut and his brow slightly furrowed, Xuan Yang appeared to be enduring some form of pain. His shadow twisted and writhed against the stone wall, as if trying to break free from its constraints and gain liberation.
"The third realm of the Heart of the Puppet Master requires a complete fusion of shadow and spirit..." Xuan Yang murmured softly, his voice tinged with anxiety and helplessness.
He had attempted 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 grew somewhat rapid, clearly indicating that this endeavor was no easy task for him.
However, just as he focused intently, 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 him 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 emerged slowly from the darkness.
Moments later, a figure clad in black robes stepped out from the shadows. A bronze mask adorned his face, etched with a bizarre single eye that sent chills through anyone who gazed upon it.
Xuan Yang stared at the masked figure, silently contemplating: "This is an Shadow Scout!"
His pupils constricted. Ever since the last upheaval in the sect, members of the shadow forces had been like a persistent thorn in his side, appearing around him from time to time—either testing him or waiting for an opportunity.
"What’s this? The shadow folks are daring enough to invade the Puppet Sect's forbidden grounds now?" Xuan Yang scoffed, his shadow dagger trembling slightly, ready to strike at any moment.
"Don't be so tense," the black-robed man chuckled darkly, seemingly amused by Xuan Yang's vigilance. He slowly raised his hand and casually tossed a pitch-black jade slip toward Xuan Yang as if it were a mere stone.
Seeing this, Xuan Yang did not reach out directly for the jade slip. Instead, he swiftly commanded his shadow to glide over like a specter and securely catch the slip in mid-air.
His movements flowed like water, clearly demonstrating his confidence in his shadow manipulation skills.
However, when his gaze fell upon the jade slip, his brows furrowed tightly.
On the pitch-black 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 the Shadow lineage, far more powerful than your half-baked Shadow Puppet,” the voice of the man in black robes carried a hint of mockery, as if ridiculing Xuan Yang's inadequate strength.
Xuan Yang's expression darkened; he knew all too well what the secret arts of the Shadow lineage entailed. Such techniques often concealed tremendous risks and costs. If practiced improperly, one could easily fall into madness or even jeopardize their life.
“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 short blade aimed directly at the throat of the man in black!
This 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 in an instant, easily evading Xuan Yang’s assault.
His figure reformed several paces 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 echo in the cave: “If you want true power, don’t hide behind the protection of your sect.”
Xuan Yang clenched his fists tightly, his gaze fixed on the book hovering in mid-air—the Shadow Dance Technique.
He understood well that this seemingly enticing manual was actually a trap laden with immense danger. Yet deep within him, he also recognized that it was an invaluable opportunity.
The next morning, sunlight poured over Xuan Yang as he did not go to pay respects to the Master of Puppet Sect as usual. Instead, he quietly made his way to the trial grounds 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 The Heart of Puppet Master and the Shadow Dance Technique, attempting to merge them 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, an extension of the soul..." Xuan Yang murmured softly, as if conversing with the shadows.
Suddenly, he felt as if the shadow beneath his feet had been granted life, beginning to surge violently.
The shadow twisted and rolled on the ground, and then it slowly split into three distinct forms! A jolt of surprise shot through Xuan Yang's heart. Could this be a sign of successful fusion?
However, before he could savor the moment, an unexpected event occurred. The three shadows suddenly seemed to lose control, starting to tear and entangle with one another.
Xuan Yang felt as if his soul had been struck by a heavy hammer, a sharp pain surged 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, forcing 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 the Heart of the Puppet Master is not to control shadows but to make them your 'other body.'"
Xuan Yang trembled all over as countless profound runes appeared in his mind. The previously restless three shadows gradually calmed down and began to move according to his will!
"The Shadow Clone Technique... has succeeded!"
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? Do you dare to come again?"
Xuan Yang did not respond; he simply raised his hand slowly.
The next moment—
**"Swish! Swish! Swish!"**
Three identical figures split from the shadows, each radiating an aura that rivaled the original!
The crowd erupted in astonishment!
"What... what kind of dark magic is this?!" Li Xue's face changed dramatically as she hurriedly activated her defenses as the Puppet Master, but it was already too late.
The four figures struck simultaneously, using fists, palms, fingers, and claws—four completely different attack styles 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 noticeable smirk playing at the corners of his mouth.
Meanwhile, in the shadows, a cloaked spy quietly retreated, murmuring to himself:
**"As expected... he is the true 'Puppet Master'."**
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