"Pink crystal?"
Upon seeing the object, Zhang Chen's pupils constricted.
He also had a piece of pink crystal on his person.
It had inexplicably appeared in his palm.
He had always felt that this crystal was connected to his memories, so he had kept it with him.
He hadn't expected the other party to also possess one, though theirs was much smaller, only the size of a fingernail.
"Don't be afraid. You only need to peel off a tiny bit of energy from this crystal to help you recognize yourself!"
"However... your strength feels immense to me, so it might take a bit more!"
The short man said, aiming the pink crystal at Zhang Chen.
Then, he began to circulate the spiritual energy within his body, gradually releasing the energy from the pink crystal.
The pink energy crystal refracted points of brilliant light in mid-air, drifting towards Zhang Chen.
*Hum!*
The instant this pink energy connected with Zhang Chen, a vast amount of energy began to surge into his body.
"Don't worry, this energy will guide you to find your true self."
"Moreover, even if you struggle, it's rather futile. No one can break free from the bonds of the Stone of Destiny!"
The short man said with a smile.
Concurrently, a large amount of energy began to peel away from the pink crystal.
The pink crystal started to shrink visibly, weaken, and even began to fragment.
"What's going on? This has never happened before!"
"We can't ruin our plan for just one person!"
The leader yelled in alarm.
If the pink crystal shattered and vanished just to awaken one person, the loss would be immense.
"I don't know. I can't stop now. The power of the pink crystal far exceeds my control; I can't halt it!"
"My arm... what is happening?!"
The short man cried out in panic.
His arm was gradually being invaded by the pink power. His skin began to crack bit by bit, and beneath the torn wounds, patches of pink could be seen.
"I've never encountered this situation before; I don't know what's happening to me!"
"Save me, quickly save me!"
The short man roared in despair, but his hands were completely immobile.
Purple patches rapidly spread across the short man's body.
*Swish!*
*Clang!*
The leader suddenly pulled out a long scythe and slashed at the short man's arms.
However, the sharp scythe struck his arms, emitting a jarring vibration. The latter seemed as unyielding as steel.
"Damn it! What's going on?!"
While the leader was momentarily stunned, the purple patches continued to spread rapidly, soon enveloping the entire short man.
Then, with a *bang*.
The man transformed into a wisp of pale pink gas and dissipated in the wind.
The pink crystal that had been in his hand also shattered into pieces, all absorbed into Zhang Chen.
At this moment, although Zhang Chen still stood before them, his mind felt as though it had plunged into an endless abyss.
Countless images flashed before his eyes, various sounds echoed in his ears, and the power within him seemed to be rapidly awakening...
"Is this... my past?"
"I think I remember who I am!"
Zhang Chen steadied himself.
While Zhang Chen, standing before the group, showed no outward change, a closer observation would reveal a difference in his gaze.
It had become more composed and profound, and an aura of immense pressure radiated from him.
"What... what is this aura?!"
"Could it be that we've awakened someone extraordinary?"
"How extraordinary can he be? Is he even more powerful than our boss?!"
"Don't worry. I believe he'll join us. After all, what man can refuse the power to control the world?!"
The group exchanged hushed words.
After a short while, Zhang Chen had recovered all his memories.
The large piece of pink crystal he carried had also been completely consumed during the awakening process.
"I need to find the others. I can't waste any more time here!"
Zhang Chen said, turning to leave.
"Hey, join us! We have the power to make you stronger!"
"Your awakening is just the first step. Aren't you curious about the even greater power that follows?!"
The leader tempted him.
"There will be no greater power. The fact that I'm not killing you is my gratitude for awakening me."
"I suggest you leave here quickly, or I can't guarantee the consequences!"
After speaking, Zhang Chen vanished instantly with a *whoosh*.