American comics: I gradually replicate everything

The interior of the temple was more spacious than the exterior, and the lighting was somewhat dim.

The air was thick with the scent of incense and candles, and a profound sense of history washed over us.

Van Ken looked around.

On both sides of the temple, there are ancient-looking, mysterious animal-shaped totem statues.

The statue appeared somewhat hazy in the dim light, as if it were silently watching the intruder.

He remembered that on his first day as a disciple, his master Huang Fei brought him here.

This is a custom of Wudang. When each disciple enters the sect, they must choose one of these animal totems that they feel most connected to and that best represents them. Then, they will make it into a headgear to wear as a code name within the sect.

At that time, he chose a monkey that was most like himself, flexible and unconventional.

"Look there, the Wudang totem is right there."

Huang Fei gestured for Van Ken to look towards the center of the temple.

In the very center of the temple is a stone altar that rises two levels above the ground.

Above the altar, there is an even more ancient and peculiar totem statue.

Van Kene examined him closely.

The totem exudes an indescribable sense of age, and the material looks like some kind of dark hardwood. The overall shape is a thick, rustic wooden stake with an exceptionally smooth surface.

The wooden stakes are carved with dense, complex, and ancient animal figures.

A roaring tiger, a majestic lion, a nimble monkey, a bird spreading its wings to take flight, a bat hanging upside down in hibernation...

The various animal forms, some clear and some abstract, are intertwined and intertwined, resembling a miniature ancient jungle, exuding a mysterious and desolate aura.

"The Wudang totem has been passed down for thousands of years."

No one knows where it originally came from; when our Wudang ancestors discovered it, it already possessed immense power.

Huang Fei stood with his hands behind his back, his voice ringing out solemnly in the quiet temple.

"This totem contains an ancient and powerful energy."

With just the slightest touch, its power will merge with the person, transforming them into a half-human, half-beast form.

Van Can's eyes narrowed: "Human form, beast form?"

"Not bad." Huang Fei nodded, his expression complicated. "In that state, a person can receive the blessing of the enormous energy in the totem, and their strength, speed, and physical fitness will all increase to an astonishing level."

In ancient times, one man could withstand an army of thousands; almost nothing could stop him.

He changed the subject, his tone becoming serious.

"Therefore, if this totem falls into the hands of a person with evil intentions and ambitions, the consequences will be unimaginable."

Throughout history, there have been numerous instances where individuals have used the power of totems to wreak havoc on regions, unleashing countless bloody conflicts.

"Until our Wudang founder..."

Huang Fei’s eyes revealed reverence. “He also touched the totem and used its power to defeat those who did evil.”

Subsequently, he established the Wudang lineage here, vowing to protect the totem for generations to come and ensure that this power does not fall into the hands of evil people.

This responsibility, in this way, has been passed down from generation to generation to me.

Vancan pressed further: "Just a light touch, and besides turning into... a humanoid beast, there are no other consequences?"

"Almost none."

Huang Fei shook his head.

"This isn't even a price to pay."

The power will be withdrawn and the user will return to human form if they touch the totem again.

Unless... that power is used over many years, for too long, one might be completely assimilated by the power and unable to change back, ultimately becoming a beast.

But that would take at least a year.

He stroked his beard and continued, "The power of the totem is extremely strong, but more than a hundred years ago, there were still many ambitious people who came to seize it."

By my generation, almost no one was interested in it anymore.

Firstly, news about it has almost completely disappeared over the years; secondly…”

Huang Fei paused, his tone filled with emotion and a hint of relief.

"Times have changed."

We live in a modern society now.

In ancient times, it was possible to carve out a territory or even rule the world by relying on the power of totems.

But in modern times, even with the power of totems, no one dares to act recklessly.

Our country has the best public security in the world.

Even if someone truly gained the power of the totem, could he withstand gunfire and missiles?

He looked at Van Can, his gaze deep.

"But we must still protect it."

This is not only because its power is dangerous, but also because protecting the totem is a responsibility and commitment passed down through generations of our Wudang lineage.

As long as it exists, this responsibility remains.

Van Ken lowered his head and bowed respectfully: "Yes, Master. Your disciple understands."

As he bowed, his gaze involuntarily drifted once again to the ancient and mysterious wooden stake totem on the altar.

Something flickered subtly in the depths of his eyes.

……

Late at night.

Wudang Mountain was quiet, with only the rustling of the wind through the treetops.

The lights were off in Master Huang Fei's room, and only the sound of his even, long breathing could be heard.

A figure silently pushed open the door of the ancient hall and slipped inside.

It's Van Ken.

Slightly guilty, he glanced around to make sure no one was nearby, then, following the method he had memorized during the day, turned off the mechanism before gently pushing the door open and entering.

The hall was dark, with only a few rays of moonlight filtering through the high windows, casting dappled shadows on the floor.

His gaze fell directly on the ancient wooden totem on the altar in the center of the main hall.

The carved animal figures on it seemed to come alive in the dim light, exuding an air of mystery.

He was all alone, and Van Can could no longer conceal the intense ambition and desire in his eyes.

He moved with the agility of a monkey, his feet moving in precise steps, as he approached and shut down all the mechanisms. Before the totem shop arrived, he took a deep breath and stepped forward.

He stretched out his hand, his fingertips pausing for a moment an inch from the surface of the totem.

He could hear his own heart pounding.

"I'm sorry, Master."

This Wudang totem is just gathering dust here.

I will not use the power of totems to cause harm.

Then it's alright if I borrow it, isn't it?

I promise I will return it later.

Van Ken pursed his lips, finally no longer hesitating, and gently placed his palm on the cold, rough surface of the wooden stake.

hum-

It was as if a silent tremor came from the depths of the totem, instantly spreading throughout his body along his palm!

Immediately afterwards, an unimaginably vast surge of energy, like a flood bursting its banks, rushed into his limbs and bones!

The force was so overwhelming that it almost made one lose their balance.

At the same time, Van Can's body began to undergo dramatic changes.

The bones made a slight crackling sound, the muscles expanded and contracted, and the skin surface was quickly covered with a thick layer of golden-brown fur.

His face shape was also changing; his mouth and nose protruded forward, his ears became pointed, and a flexible long tail grew out from behind him, swaying unconsciously.