The Shadow of the Past

Chapter 10: The Shadow of the Past

The mysterious man's message haunted Li Yun for days. He tried to ignore the feeling of fear that consumed him, but the shadow of the past lurked in his thoughts, like a stubborn ghost. He felt fragile, insecure, as if he were walking on shaky ground.

Training became a refuge, a shield against the doubts that plagued him. He dedicated himself to martial arts with more fervor, seeking refuge from his fears in discipline and physical strength. He strove to master his spiritual energy, channeling it more precisely, seeking to control the inner flame that burned in his chest.

One day, while practicing with Mei, he felt a tremor run through his body. The spiritual energy that had previously flowed naturally became turbulent, like a raging river. He felt a sharp pain, a feeling of emptiness that overwhelmed him.

"Li Yun, what's going on?" Mei asked worriedly, watching him with her bright eyes.

Li Yun tried to control the pain, but it was no use. He knelt on the ground, feeling a deep sense of loss. He remembered the accident, the impact, the pain… and the feeling of emptiness that had consumed him.

"I… I don't know," he murmured, his voice weak. "It's like a part of me is missing."

Mei approached, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You need to calm down, Li Yun," she said, her voice soft and comforting. "Take a deep breath, focus on your energy."

Li Yun tried to follow her advice, but the pain persisted. He felt a strange presence, as if a dark force was trying to invade his mind.

"I… I need help," he said, his voice shaking.

Mei led him to Master Yuan, who examined him carefully. The master frowned, his eyes revealing concern.

"Li Yun, you are being affected by an outside force," Master Yuan said, his voice deep. "Someone is trying to manipulate your spiritual energy."

"But who?" Li Yun asked, his voice filled with fear.

"The one who sent you to the Heaven Realm," Master Yuan replied, his voice serious. "He is trying to control you, using your energy for his own ends."

Li Yun felt cold. The mysterious man who had met him in the village, the messenger who had threatened him… he was the source of his pain, of the feeling of emptiness that haunted him.

"What can I do?" Li Yun asked, his voice weak.

"You need to learn to defend yourself," Master Yuan replied, his eyes shining with a steady light. "You need to strengthen your mind, control your energy, and resist outside influence."

Master Yuan then led him to a secret place in the village, a place where the spiritual energy was most intense. There, he taught Li Yun an ancient technique, a way to strengthen his mind and control his energy.

Li Yun threw himself into training, seeking to master the technique with the same determination as before. He focused on his energy, seeking the inner strength to resist external influence. He remembered Master Yuan's words: "You are strong, Li Yun. You have the strength to overcome any obstacle."

Li Yun took a deep breath, feeling the flame within him burn brighter. He would not let the shadow of the past consume him. He would fight against external influence, defend his freedom, and fulfill his mission.

He was Li Yun, and he was ready to face any challenge.