都市魔法师

Lin Yao felt the surge of Qin Yao's power explode outward, a powerful gust of energy accompanying the ferocity of his strikes. Lu Hao didn't retreat; instead, he sneered and countered swiftly, blocking Qin Yao's offensive. The two exchanged blows almost simultaneously, each strike filled with lethal intent, the tension in the air so thick it was suffocating.

"Are you really going to fight me to the end for her?" Lu Hao's voice was laced with cold disdain. "Can't you see the true meaning behind this battle?"

Qin Yao let out a cold laugh. "As long as she's here, I have no way out." The unwavering determination in his eyes left no room for doubt—he was truly ready to sacrifice everything for Lin Yao.

Lin Yao stood frozen in place, her eyes filled with confusion and unease. She couldn't comprehend the truth behind this fight or why Qin Yao and Lu Hao had come to such a confrontation. Her heart ached—not just for the battle before her but for the unspoken emotions tearing her apart like a sharp blade piercing her chest.

"Stop!" Lin Yao suddenly shouted, her voice trembling with urgency and anxiety.

Both men halted, Qin Yao's gaze immediately softening as he turned to her, his eyes tinged with concern. "Yao Yao, why did you call out? Are you afraid of me?"

Lin Yao bit her lip, taking a deep breath, her gaze firm. "I'm not afraid, but I don't want you to keep fighting. Who are you both? Why is there such hatred between you?"

Lu Hao chuckled lightly. "She's finally catching on, isn't she? Qin Yao, you've been hiding it from her all along." His tone was dripping with mockery. "She was destined to be the key to the 'Source,' but sadly, she has no idea of her true value."

Lin Yao's heart sank. "'Source'? What is the Source?"

Qin Yao's expression darkened. He wanted to stop Lu Hao from speaking further, but it was too late. Lu Hao's words cut through her like a knife, shattering her understanding of reality.

"She is the vessel of the Source," Lu Hao said, stepping closer to Lin Yao, his gaze filled with disdain. "If you're willing, you could join us and become the true wielder of the Source, ruling this world."

Lin Yao froze. "What? I… I'm the vessel of the Source?" Her mind went blank, overwhelmed by chaos. "What does that even mean?"

Qin Yao's eyes were filled with helplessness. He stepped toward Lin Yao, speaking softly, "Yao Yao, the Source is a unique entity. It can grant immense power but will also devour the mind. If you choose to abandon it, you may lose everything. But if you accept it, there's no turning back."

Lin Yao's heart raced, a dizzying panic setting in. She had always thought of herself as an ordinary girl—how could she have been swept into such a complex and dangerous situation? She couldn't understand why her fate was so different.

"I don't understand," Lin Yao said quietly, her voice trembling. "I only know that I want a normal life. I don't want to be anyone's tool."

Lu Hao smiled faintly. "You're right. The Source doesn't need you to be a tool; it only needs you as a sacrifice. Are you willing to give up? Give up the greatest power in this world? Give up the chance to rule?"

Lin Yao's gaze steadied, turning to Qin Yao. Though her voice was soft, it carried a firm resolve. "Qin Yao, I don't want to be anyone's tool. I just want to protect the people I love. No matter how hard this path is, I'll walk it to the end."

Qin Yao's eyes flickered with complex emotions. He sighed lightly. "Yao Yao, I understand your decision and will support you. No matter what, I'll stand by your side."

As they prepared to escape, the factory lights flickered, and several shadowy figures appeared at the entrance. The overwhelming presence of one figure in particular filled the air with a suffocating pressure.

"I didn't expect you to escape," the figure said, his voice deep and powerful. "But it doesn't matter now."

Qin Yao's gaze turned cold. He knew this enemy was far stronger than any they had faced before.

"Come on," the man sneered, lifting a hand. "Since you refuse to cooperate, then die."

With a flick of his wrist, a squad of elite warriors charged at them.

Qin Yao didn't hesitate, rushing to meet the attackers head-on while pulling Lin Yao aside. He spoke urgently, "Hide. Don't worry about me."

Lin Yao's heart pounded fiercely. Fear consumed her, but she knew she couldn't just stand by.

"I won't leave." She gripped Qin Yao's hand tightly. "I can't abandon you."

Qin Yao glanced back at her, a hint of tenderness in his eyes. "Yao Yao, this is our fate. No matter what's ahead, we must face it together."

At that moment, the enemy unleashed a surge of energy, shaking the factory walls and filling the air with the acrid scent of gunpowder. Lin Yao felt the world around her collapsing, but she knew her decision was made. Whatever happened, she would not turn back.