Ch 8

The elder's declaration hung in the air like a storm cloud, and for a moment, no one moved. Shu Yi held her ground, her hands ready to pull out a vial at the first sign of trouble. Xiao Fang shifted nervously behind her, while Chen Wei remained calm, his arms crossed as though this was an interesting lecture.

The villagers outside murmured among themselves, their torches casting flickering shadows on the walls. Shu Yi knew she needed to take control of the situation fast.

"All right," Shu Yi said, her voice firm. "Let's hear it. What's this 'truth' you're so eager to share?"

The elder glared at her, his sharp eyes narrowing. "You want the truth? Then follow me. But don't say I didn't warn you."

---

The Elder's Tale

The group followed the elder through the village, the angry crowd trailing behind them. Lin Mei walked silently at their side, her bow gripped tightly as though she expected trouble.

They stopped in front of a decrepit shrine at the edge of the village. The wooden structure was worn and covered in moss, its once-bright carvings now faded and weathered. A strange energy seemed to radiate from it, making Shu Yi's skin prickle.

"This is where it all began," the elder said, gesturing to the shrine.

Shu Yi frowned. "The Scholar's Shadow?"

The elder nodded. "Decades ago, a man came to this village. He called himself the Wandering Scholar and claimed he could help us prosper. At first, he kept his word. Our crops flourished, and the village thrived. But then…"

The elder hesitated, his expression darkening. "Strange things started happening. People vanished without a trace. Livestock died mysteriously. The sky darkened during the day. We begged the scholar to stop whatever ritual he was performing, but he refused. He said it was 'necessary.'"

"What happened to him?" Chen Wei asked, his voice unusually serious.

The elder's jaw tightened. "We drove him out. But before he left, he cursed us. He said his shadow would remain with the village, watching and waiting. Since then, anyone who resembles him is seen as a bringer of doom."

Shu Yi glanced at Chen Wei, who looked back at her with a raised eyebrow. "So, let me guess," she said. "You think he's somehow connected to this 'Scholar's Shadow.'"

The elder didn't reply, but his silence was answer enough.

---

A Test of Trust

"This is ridiculous," Shu Yi said, crossing her arms. "You're blaming someone for something that happened decades ago, based on a resemblance? That's not justice. That's fear."

The elder's gaze hardened. "You don't understand. That curse has haunted us for generations. We cannot take risks."

Shu Yi opened her mouth to argue, but Chen Wei stepped forward, his expression calm. "I understand your fear," he said. "But driving us away won't lift your curse. If anything, it'll only make things worse."

The elder frowned. "What are you suggesting?"

Chen Wei smiled faintly. "Let us help you. If this curse is real, we'll find a way to break it. And if it's not, then perhaps it's time for your village to let go of the past."

The villagers murmured among themselves, uncertainty flickering in their eyes. The elder looked at Chen Wei for a long moment before finally nodding. "Fine. But you only have until sunrise. If you can't prove your worth by then, you'll leave—and take your misfortune with you."

---

A Race Against Time

Back at the inn, Shu Yi paced the room while Chen Wei sat cross-legged on his mat, deep in thought. Xiao Fang, ever the optimist, tried to lighten the mood.

"Well, at least they didn't run us out immediately," he said with a nervous laugh.

Shu Yi shot him a look. "That's not comforting, Xiao Fang. We have less than a night to figure out what's going on."

Chen Wei finally spoke. "The shrine is the key. Whatever happened with the Wandering Scholar started there. We should investigate."

"Agreed," Shu Yi said. "But if there's something dangerous lurking there, we need to be prepared."

She opened her alchemy pouch, pulling out several vials filled with various powders and liquids. "I'll make something to help us if things go south."

Xiao Fang leaned over, watching her work. "What are you making?"

"A flash bomb," Shu Yi replied. "It'll create a bright light and loud noise to disorient anything—or anyone—nearby."

Chen Wei watched her with a faint smile. "Impressive. You've got a talent for this."

"Thanks," Shu Yi said, not looking up. "But let's hope we don't have to use it."

---

The Shrine's Secret

As midnight approached, the trio made their way back to the shrine. The villagers stayed behind, too frightened to venture near it after dark.

The air around the shrine felt heavy, as though the shadows themselves were alive. Shu Yi lit a small lantern, its flickering light barely piercing the darkness.

"Stay close," she whispered.

They entered the shrine, finding it empty except for an old altar covered in dust and cobwebs. Chen Wei knelt by the altar, examining the carvings.

"These symbols…" he murmured. "They're not ordinary. They're part of an ancient formation."

"A formation?" Shu Yi asked.

Chen Wei nodded. "It's a type of array used in martial arts and alchemy. If I'm right, this one is meant to draw energy from the surroundings."

"Draw energy for what?" Xiao Fang asked, his voice trembling.

Before Chen Wei could answer, a low rumble echoed through the shrine. The floor beneath them began to tremble, and a cold wind swept through the room.

Shu Yi grabbed Xiao Fang, pulling him back as a dark figure emerged from the shadows. It was humanoid but distorted, its body flickering like a wisp of smoke.

"The Scholar's Shadow…" Chen Wei said softly.

The figure lunged toward them, and Shu Yi threw the flash bomb. The explosion of light and sound sent the shadow recoiling, giving them a chance to escape.

"We need to destroy the formation!" Chen Wei shouted.

"How?" Shu Yi yelled back.

Chen Wei pointed to the altar. "The carvings! Break them!"

Shu Yi didn't hesitate. She pulled out a vial of corrosive liquid and poured it over the altar. The stone hissed and bubbled as the carvings dissolved, and the shadow let out an unearthly screech before vanishing.

---

A New Beginning

As the dawn broke, the villagers gathered outside the shrine, watching in awe as the trio emerged. The elder stepped forward, his expression unreadable.

"The shadow is gone," Shu Yi said simply.

The elder nodded slowly. "You've done what we could not. For that, we owe you a debt of gratitude."

Shu Yi glanced at Chen Wei, who then gave her a knowing smile.

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