The bustling streets of Lingyun City were alive with activity as Xianwu, Lan Hua, and their new companion, Yun Wei, made their way through the crowded marketplace. The scent of freshly baked bread mingled with the aroma of spices, and the calls of merchants hawking their wares echoed from every direction. Yun Wei walked beside them, his juggling pins tucked away, his expression full of curiosity as he observed the two cultivators.
"So, why are you really here in Lingyun City? You don't exactly look like common townsfolk," Yun Wei asked, his tone light, though his eyes betrayed a genuine curiosity. He studied their robes, noting the distinct insignia of the Azure Cloud Sect embroidered on their garments.
Lan Hua exchanged a glance with Xianwu before responding, her voice measured. "You're right. We are disciples of the Azure Cloud Sect. There's a storm brewing in Murim, and we're here to gather information about what's behind it." She paused, her gaze sharpening. "Have you heard anything unusual recently? Anything that might be of interest?"
Yun Wei rubbed his chin thoughtfully, his eyes narrowing. "Now that you mention it, the city guard has been on edge lately. People are talking about a string of thefts involving some magical artifacts. Even the Five Rivers Trading Company was hit—and they're the most influential trading group around here. It's all anyone's talking about."
Xianwu's eyes gleamed with interest, and he gave a slight nod. "The Five Rivers Trading Company... that might be a good place to start." He gestured for them to move. "Let's head there."
The trio weaved their way through the winding streets until they arrived at the compound of the Five Rivers Trading Company. The estate was grand—several large buildings surrounded by towering walls, adorned with intricate carvings that depicted scenes of wealth and prosperity. The splendor of the estate spoke volumes about the influence of the organization. Xianwu's eyes roved over the compound as they approached, memories stirring of his past dealings with the Five Rivers Trading Company. Though not the largest in Murim, they were certainly formidable, and he had known their reach well in his previous life.
At the entrance, four guards stood, their posture rigid and alert. One stepped forward, his eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Entry is by prior appointment only. No exceptions."
Xianwu met the guard's gaze with calm assurance, producing the Azure Cloud Sect token from his sleeve. "We come on behalf of the Azure Cloud Sect," he said, his voice clear and commanding. "We have urgent business with the leader of the Five Rivers Trading Company. It is imperative that we speak with him."
The guards exchanged uncertain glances, whispering among themselves before two of them stepped aside. "Follow us," one of them said, gesturing towards the inner courtyard.
They were led through elegantly decorated corridors adorned with rich tapestries and ornate artifacts that spoke of both wealth and power. Stopping in front of a large wooden door, one of the guards knocked, then spoke. "Head Wen, members of the Azure Cloud Sect are here to see you."
A voice responded from within, calm yet authoritative. "Let them in."
The door opened to reveal a spacious office, its walls lined with shelves filled with books and scrolls. Behind a grand mahogany desk sat Wen Haiyan, the leader of the Five Rivers Trading Company—a man in his late fifties, his hair streaked with gray, his eyes sharp and calculating as they sized up the newcomers.
"Welcome," Wen Haiyan said, gesturing for them to take a seat. "Please, sit. To what do I owe the honor of a visit from the Azure Cloud Sect?"
Xianwu took a seat, Lan Hua and Yun Wei following suit. Leaning forward slightly, he met Wen Haiyan's gaze. "Head Wen, we have reason to believe that the Demon Sect has resurfaced in Murim. We are investigating their activities, and we have heard about the recent theft of a magical artifact from your company. We were hoping you could share any information that might assist us."
Wen Haiyan's expression darkened at the mention of the Demon Sect. He nodded slowly, his hands clasped together on the desk. "Yes, the theft has caused quite a disturbance here. The artifact in question is called the 'Obsidian Flame Core.' It is a rare and potent item, capable of channeling fire-elemental Qi. It was supposed to be auctioned off at our upcoming grand auction in two weeks' time." He paused, his eyes clouding with frustration. "Three nights ago, it was stolen. Several of our guards lost their lives defending it."
Lan Hua's brow furrowed, her eyes reflecting her concern. "Do you have any leads on the thieves?"
Wen Haiyan let out a weary sigh. "We managed to capture one of them, but he's refused to speak a single word since we apprehended him. He is being held in the dungeons below, but so far, our efforts to extract any information from him have proven fruitless."
Xianwu nodded thoughtfully, then spoke. "If you would permit me, Head Wen, I would like to question the prisoner. Perhaps I may succeed where others have not."
Wen Haiyan studied Xianwu for a moment, his eyes narrowing as he weighed the proposition. Finally, he nodded. "Very well. You may try. He is being held in a cell beneath the main building. I will have someone escort you."
Xianwu stood, offering a respectful bow. "Thank you, Head Wen. We will do everything we can to assist."
Xianwu was soon led down a set of dimly lit stairs to the dungeons below the Five Rivers Trading Company. The air grew colder as he descended, the faint drip of water echoing through the narrow stone corridor. The guard stopped before a small cell, nodding for Xianwu to proceed. Xianwu stepped closer, his gaze falling upon the prisoner—a man chained to the wall, his body battered and bruised, his eyes sunken and hollow.
Xianwu narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing the man's injuries. He knew that this interrogation might be the key to uncovering the secrets of the Demon Sect's reappearance.