When talking about the balance of Yin and Yang, the old man paused.
As a great mage, his father understood the theory of Yin and Yang intertwining all too well. Only through the struggle of Yin and Yang could the world maintain its balanced operation. Yet, for some reason, for years, Yang energy had been in the ascendant, and the dark energy had completely vanished, leading the world into a static state. It was so peaceful and harmonious that it was uncanny, even chilling.
However, Xiao Yu was not interested in the dry historical facts her father was discussing.
She had expected him to recount his own youthful adventures, or at least share some bizarre magical tales. To her surprise, he was lecturing about the history of magic and the world’s development, which felt no different from the history lessons she attended in school.
Unable to bear it any longer, Xiao Yu interrupted her father, "Dad, Dad, aren't we researching the twelve zodiac talismans right now? Tell me about them. What are they, and who created them?"
Seeing her father agree, a gleam of triumph flickered in Xiao Yu's eyes.
Her father closed the book and put it back on the shelf. After a brief search, he retrieved another book, placed it on the table, and opened it. "The twelve talismans were not created by mages. On the contrary, they originate from a great demon."
"Legend has it that a long time ago, a powerful fire demon escaped from hell. This demon possessed vast dark magic and was immortal. He led his minions to conquer all of Asia, establishing his earthly kingdom. Under the demon's rule, the people suffered immensely."
Xiao Yu's interest was piqued at this point. This was exactly the kind of story she loved to hear.
Her father took a sip of hot tea and continued, "Until a warrior named Shendu appeared. He gathered all the mages in Asia and used a great spell to seal the demon away. The demon's power then transformed into the twelve talismans, which were scattered across the world."
Xiao Yu asked, "Was the demon sent back to hell?"
Her father shook his head. "The book doesn't record that. It only says that when the demon was sealed, he vowed to reclaim his dynasty and destroy all the descendants of those who betrayed him. And the demon's palace was located in... Xianggang."
Hearing this, Xiao Yu's heart tightened, and she couldn't help but say, "Dad, Mom."
At that moment, a voice called out, "Don't worry. For the demon to resurrect, he needs to collect the twelve talismans. The Rooster and Ox talismans are still in Section 13."
Following the sound, they saw Captain Black, the head of Section 13. He had just walked in and overheard the conversation between her father and Xiao Yu.
After comforting Xiao Yu, Captain Black asked, "Old Man, where is Chen Long?"
Xiao Yu immediately jumped up, "I know, I know, I'll take you!"
She started to run upstairs, but her father, quick to react, grabbed her by the clothes and pulled her back.
"Chen Long is sleeping upstairs. And another thing, Xiao Yu, you need to do your homework."
"Okay."
Xiao Yu slumped like a deflated eggplant, dejectedly picking up her schoolbag and heading back to her room.
Her father had little hope for Chen Long. Although her father had initially wanted Chen Long to inherit his legacy and had specifically sent him to study archaeology to cultivate his interest in history and ancient things, the result was that Chen Long was as dull as wood. He was very interested in archaeological excavations and research but completely uninterested in more ancient magic. This made her father furious yet helpless.
Perhaps, it was time to change his approach.
The appearance of the talismans filled her father with a growing sense of urgency. The dark energy that had been hidden for years would likely strike back soon. Had the forces of Yang truly prepared themselves?
Watching Xiao Yu's retreating back, her father mused thoughtfully.
"Chen Long, Chen Long, are you in there? Chen Long?"
Arriving at the door, Captain Black kept knocking.
"What is it, Captain Black?"
Chen Long, groggily woken from his sleep, opened the door with a dazed look and asked.
"The Dark Hand has made another move."
Upon hearing it was the Dark Hand, Chen Long forced himself to sober up. "Is it about the talismans?"
Captain Black shook his head. "No, it's about human trafficking."
"Human trafficking?"
Captain Black continued, "We received word from an informant that a few hours ago, the Dark Hand kidnapped many children from various parts of the US and secretly transported them to their headquarters. Since this concerns the Dark Hand, I thought it necessary to inform you."
In the United States, a land of freedom, drugs and guns were common, and human trafficking was nothing new. What was different this time was that the buyers were the Dark Hand, and the numbers were substantial. This had drawn the attention of Section 13. Sudan Novel Network.
Chen Long raised an eyebrow. If it wasn't about the talismans, why come to me? Do they really think I, Chen Long, am an agent of Section 13? Or are all the agents of Section 13 incompetent, relying on an archaeologist for everything?
"I'm sorry, Captain Black, but I'm really too tired. Please leave these matters to your agents. I'm just an archaeologist."
Captain Black nodded. "Alright."
Indeed, although they were good friends, Captain Black felt a bit embarrassed to always trouble Chen Long.
"Uncle Long! Hurry!"
Just as Chen Long was about to go back to sleep, Xiao Yu's voice drifted up from downstairs.
"Xiao Yu, I told you I wouldn't take you to the amusement park. Next time."
Being disturbed repeatedly, Chen Long was becoming impatient.
"It's not about the amusement park, it's about the talismans, the talismans!"
As it turned out, Xiao Yu, who had been sent to do her homework by her father, hadn't actually done it. She had secretly snuck off to watch TV while her father wasn't looking.
"Xiao Yu, why are you watching TV again? Have you finished your homework?"
Chen Long, still groggy, walked downstairs and was about to scold Xiao Yu.
"Don't worry about homework, look at the TV quickly."
Pulled by Xiao Yu, Chen Long looked at the TV. It was currently showing the zoo. "No, no, Xiao Yu, I won't take you to the zoo unless you go do your homework now and promise to study diligently."
"Silly, I'm not talking about the zoo."
Xiao Yu rewound the recorded video, paused it, and pointed at the turtle on the screen. "I'm talking about the talismans. There's a talisman embedded on the turtle's back."
At this moment, her father also walked over. He leaned closer to the TV screen and adjusted his glasses. "Xiao Yu is right. It is indeed a talisman. Judging by the pattern, it should be the Rabbit Talisman."
Then, he turned to Chen Long and chided him, "You should learn more from your niece. She has an eye for discovery."
The remark jolted Chen Long completely awake. He rubbed his head and said, "Then I'll contact Captain Black right away. If Xiao Yu can see it, then the people from the Dark Hand can likely see it too."
Xiao Yu stopped Chen Long, who was about to make a call. "Don't rush, Uncle Long. Uncle E will only arrive at the Imperial Aquarium in three days. Besides, the TV didn't say where Uncle E is right now. I assume the Dark Hand won't make a move until three days later."
Chen Long nodded. "Xiao Yu, what you said makes a lot of sense... No, no, I'm not taking you to the aquarium. And right now, you should be concerned about your studies, not the talismans. I don't want your homeroom teacher calling me to school again."
Chen Long was sharp enough to see through Xiao Yu's little scheme.