As night fell, Ma Yun sat in his dimly lit study, the family genealogy book and an unassuming yet historically significant brush spread out on the desk before him. The wind howled outside the window, as if whispering secrets of an untold story.
The encounter with the Chenyang Group representatives earlier that day had left Ma Yun feeling deeply conflicted. He knew that the two men were far more dangerous than they appeared. The "Revival Plan" they spoke of must be hiding secrets beyond comprehension.
"What exactly did Grandfather leave me?" Ma Yun murmured to himself. His gaze rested on the brush. Though it appeared ordinary, its smooth texture and the familiar sensation it evoked in his hand made it feel as though it were intrinsically connected to him by blood.
He picked up the brush and casually drew a stroke on the paper. In that instant, a powerful sensation surged through his hand, as if time had frozen. A vivid scene unfolded before his eyes—a young man dressed in ancient robes standing in a dense forest, holding a brush with resolute determination.
"Who are you?" Ma Yun's voice echoed in his mind.
The young man turned to face him, a mix of relief and curiosity in his eyes. "I am Ma Liang."
Ma Yun's eyes widened, every hair on his body standing on end. Ma Liang—the legendary "Magic Brush Ma Liang" of folklore—was now appearing in his consciousness?
"This is impossible…" Ma Yun gasped, trying to shake off the bizarre vision, but his hand remained tightly gripped around the brush, refusing to let go.
"Do not fear," Ma Liang's voice was low and commanding. "We are bound by blood. I exist within this brush, and you can see me because you have awakened its power."
"Power?" Ma Yun's thoughts were instantly captured. "Are you saying this brush truly possesses the legendary abilities?"
Ma Liang nodded. "Indeed. Throughout my life, I performed countless miracles with this brush. But it is more than just a tool. It carries immense responsibility and comes with a price."
"A price?" Ma Yun frowned. "What do you mean?"
"Every stroke drawn with it consumes energy—your essence, spirit, and vitality. This is the source of its power. More importantly, the brush binds its user's fate to itself. You must either master it or be enslaved by it."
Ma Yun took a deep breath, forcing himself to remain calm. "So, you've appeared here to tell me this?"
Ma Liang was silent for a moment before replying. "Not just that. I know the predicament you're in, and I am aware of those coveting the power of this brush. Your enemies are far stronger than you think. But you are not alone. I will teach you how to master it, provided you are prepared for the commitment."
Ma Yun locked eyes with Ma Liang. "What kind of commitment?"
"Whether it's wealth, power, or glory, this brush can help you achieve it. But you must understand—every time you use it, your fate may change, and those around you may be affected as well."
Ma Yun fell silent. Images of his wife Su Qing and their two children surfaced in his mind. His family was his foundation, and he wouldn't allow any force to harm them.
"I will protect my family and this brush," Ma Yun said with unwavering resolve. "If this is my family's legacy, then it's my responsibility to safeguard it until I uncover its true meaning."
Ma Liang's lips curled into a faint smile of approval. "Very well. Since you've made your decision, I will teach you how to use it."
As Ma Yun and Ma Liang's consciousness intertwined, the study door creaked open softly. Su Qing entered with a cup of tea, her gaze filled with concern as she saw Ma Yun staring blankly at the brush.
"Are you all right?" she asked worriedly.
Ma Yun snapped out of his trance, forcing a smile. "I'm fine. Just thinking about some things."
Su Qing set the tea on the desk and spoke gently. "Those people from today made me uneasy. They didn't seem like they were just here to discuss a collaboration."
"I know," Ma Yun nodded. "Their goal is likely connected to this brush."
A trace of confusion crossed Su Qing's eyes. "What's so special about that brush?"
Ma Yun hesitated before deciding not to tell her too much for now. He took her hand and said firmly, "No matter what happens, I'll protect you all. That's my promise."
Su Qing looked into his eyes and nodded lightly. "I trust you."
The warmth and determination between them filled the room. But Ma Yun knew this was only the calm before the storm.
In the coming days, he would have to uncover the true power of the brush while finding a way to counter Chenyang Group's schemes. He understood that his choices would not only shape his fate but also determine his family's future.
Late that night, Ma Yun returned to his desk. Picking up the brush, he gently painted a bamboo grove on the paper. This time, the brush's power flowed more naturally. The bamboo leaves swayed slightly on the page, as if they might leap out at any moment.
"This is only the beginning," Ma Yun murmured, his eyes burning with a newfound determination.