...
The sky gradually darkened as neon lights illuminated the festival, creating a beautiful scene reminiscent of a magnificent painting. Underneath the giant tree, tender white petals danced in the breeze, softly falling from above. The bustling market beneath the towering tree glowed brightly with lanterns, and the streets were filled with people, their faces beaming with cheerful smiles as they enjoyed the festive atmosphere. There was dancing, lively bantering, children holding lit fireworks, chasing and playing, everything seemed harmonious.
"Mo Xiao, isn't Lang ge with you?"
"Lang ge? He went to stroll around the market by himself." Mo Xiao looked at his sister who appeared before his eyes and hesitated for a moment before shaking his head.
"He said he would join me soon, but he hasn't come yet, and the prayer ceremony is already over."
Upon hearing this, Mo Xin's eyes narrowed and she sensed that something was amiss. "When did he separate from you?"
"At noon, right after the start of the Spirit Douluo's fight, he left on his own."
"Noon?"
Mo Xiao noticed the seriousness in his older sister's expression and became puzzled. It seemed like something serious had happened.
"Um, sis, what's the matter with Lang ge?"
"Nothing, go home and see if he's there, then let me know. I'll search for him at the market." After saying that, Mo Xin turned and disappeared into the crowded crowd.
Mo Xiao watched his sister disappear from his sight and felt a bit lost for a moment.
What on earth happened?
Seeing his sister in such a hurry and seeming a bit flustered, Mo Xiao became extremely worried. He hurriedly ran towards the dojo.
For the past few days, Mo Xin had sensed that something was off with Zeng Yi. Perhaps, it was as Chen Mu, the Sword Saint, had said - there was a terrifying demon residing within his body.
And Zeng Yi, despite losing his memories, seemed to have sensed this as well.
Perhaps he had realized the horror contained within his body, the power that could destroy everything. The terrifying demon was slowly awakening, and he seemed to be losing control of this power, fearing that his consciousness would be swallowed up.
So, before all of this happened, before he harmed anyone, he chose to leave?
Mo Xin ran through the crowded streets, memories of training with Zeng Yi at the dojo flashed in her mind. She clenched her teeth.
"This fool!"
Zeng Yi arrived at her house not too long ago, only about half a year, but in that short period, the once desolate dojo, which was only occupied by her and her brother, became livelier with Zeng Yi's presence. They trained and laughed together, gradually, Mo Xin had become accustomed to this atmosphere.
To Mo Xin, Zeng Yi was not just a student of the dojo, he was like family.
If he suddenly disappeared from her life, she would inevitably feel uncomfortable. Moreover, he was in danger now, and if his power within his body lost control, it would cause unpredictable destruction to the surroundings, and he may even be targeted by evil spirits. At that time, he might not be himself anymore.
He must be saved!
Mo Xin ran, grinding her teeth.
With the Spirit Blossom Festival about to end, they were supposed to set off for the Sword God Palace. Once they reached there, the abnormality in his body could be perfectly resolved. But right at this crucial moment, this problem occurred.
How annoying.
What should she do?
Mo Xin circled around the gathering but couldn't find Zeng Yi's figure. In such a massive crowd, it was hard to find a specific person, but Mo Xin was convinced that Zeng Yi was no longer here. He had probably left the town already.
Right, find the Sword Saint!
At this anxious moment, Mo Xin suddenly remembered the Sword Saint Chen Mu, who was still in the area, and immediately rushed towards the direction of the altar.
...
Zeng Yi followed closely behind the mysterious old man, walking on a rugged mountain path.
The night had already descended, and although the seemingly peaceful mountains were filled with the sounds of insects and frogs, it only made the atmosphere more quiet and slightly eerie.
However, Zeng Yi felt no fear. His gaze was fixed on the stooped figure of the old man in front of him.
This person knew the secret within my body and even claimed to know my origins?
Zeng Yi had some doubts about the man's words, but if there was even a slight possibility, he wanted to know where he came from and what kind of person he was before. This might be his only chance.
Was this a trap? Zeng Yi didn't know, but he had to seize this opportunity.
"Old man, are we there yet?"
Examining the surroundings, Zeng Yi saw the rugged mountain path and the fading daylight. When he looked up, the sky was adorned with countless stars, sparkling like a magnificent painting.
"We're almost there. Once we cross that mountain ahead, we'll reach my mountain gate." the old man said in a calm tone, using his cane for support as he walked ahead.
After about half an hour, Zeng Yi arrived with the old man at a wide and flat place.
Ahead was a shallow river, its water flowing gently as the surface reflected the brilliant stars, resembling a fallen Milky Way.
Will it stop here? Zeng Yi asked in confusion when he saw the old man halt without moving.
Turning around, the old man, with his decaying face and deep-set eye sockets, stared intensely at Zeng Yi.
He extended his hand and took off his bamboo hat, revealing a nearly bald head.
"Right here, my esteemed young man. I can help you regain your lost self and even allow you to control the power within you that frightens you." the old man's weathered face broke into a smile.
"Really?" Surprised, Zeng Yi looked at the old man.
How could he know I've lost my previous memories? No one else should know except for the Mo siblings and the Sword Saint Chen Mu.
Zeng Yi was certain that he had never met this person before today.
But at a closer look and with his perception, no matter how Zeng Yi observed, this old man appeared to be just an ordinary person.
If I can't see through or understand someone who seems average, the only possibility is that they are an extremely powerful individual.
And Zeng Yi was more inclined to believe the latter because an ordinary person wouldn't possess such abilities.
"Do you know who I was before?" Zeng Yi asked with a furrowed brow.
However, the old man shook his head, a wry smile on his aged face as if he knew something hidden. "Maybe."
"I possess a method that can help you remember your past and even allow you to control the power that frightens you within your body." the old man said, his eyes squinting.
Startled by his words, Zeng Yi realized that this man had seen through him completely, despite his doubts earlier.
"How would you do that?" Zeng Yi stared at the old man, his eyes filled with hesitation and complexity.
He didn't know what the old man's true intentions were, but his current situation was extremely serious. If his power erupted again, he might be engulfed by another consciousness and become a ruthless killing machine.
If he was already standing on the edge of a cliff, why not take the chance to fight back?
"If you're willing to come here with me, then you must have already made a decision." the old man said, slightly narrowing his eyes.
"In that case, I will personally perform a prayer ceremony for you to cleanse the impurities within your heart." The old man glanced at Zeng Yi, his face wrinkled with age but carrying a profound smile.
"How will you do it?"
Zeng Yi stared at the old man, his eyes showing a mixture of hesitation and complexity.
He didn't know what this old man was plotting, but the situation within his body had reached a critical stage. If he had the chance to control it, he should take it.
The old man gently tapped his cane on the rocks, followed by an invisible force emanating from him, spreading in all directions.
Zeng Yi widened his eyes as he watched the surroundings.
In an instant, the river beneath his feet shimmered with a divine golden light, even in the darkness of the night.