As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the bustling streets of Jiang Bei, Yi Wei and Peng Yao, the shadow assassins of Xuan Liang, continued their surveillance of Li Rong and Tian De from the shadows.
They had followed Li Rong's every move, silently observing as he and Tian De navigated the bustling streets of the town. Despite the crowds and the noise, Li Rong moved with purpose, his steps confident and assured as he led Tian De through the maze of narrow alleyways and bustling market stalls.
Yi Wei and Peng Yao exchanged a knowing glance, their eyes reflecting the silent communication that passed between them. They had been tasked with monitoring Li Rong's every move, ensuring that he remained safe and that no harm befell him on his journey to Jiang Bei.
As Li Rong and Tian De disappeared into the crowd, Yi Wei turned to Peng Yao, his voice low and measured. "I will keep watch over them," he instructed, his tone devoid of emotion. "You go inform General Xuan of their whereabouts."
Peng Yao nodded in acknowledgment, his eyes narrowing with determination as he prepared to carry out his orders. With a silent nod, Yi Wei melted back into the shadows, leaving Peng Yao to his task.
Using his expertise in qinggong, Peng Yao swiftly made his way to the Liang mansion in the capital. The journey was long and arduous, but he pressed on, driven by his unwavering loyalty to General Xuan and the mission at hand.
After three days of relentless travel, Peng Yao finally arrived at the Liang mansion, his chest heaving with exertion as he presented himself before General Xuan in his study.
"General Xuan," Peng Yao began, his voice steady despite the fatigue that weighed heavily upon him. "I bring news of Li Rong's whereabouts."
Xuan Liang regarded Peng Yao with a steely gaze, his expression unreadable as he motioned for him to continue.
Peng Yao wasted no time in recounting the events of Li Rong's journey to Jiang Bei, detailing their surveillance and the discoveries they had made along the way. He spoke of Li Rong's cultivation progress, his encounters with Tian De, and the challenges they had faced together.
As Peng Yao spoke, Xuan Liang listened intently, his brow furrowed with concern as he absorbed the information. The revelation of Li Rong's progress to the Refining Qi seventh stage did not go unnoticed, nor did the mention of his encounter with Tian De.
When Peng Yao had finished his report, Xuan Liang fell silent, his mind racing with possibilities. He knew that Li Rong's journey was far from over and that there were still many obstacles that lay ahead.
"Thank you, Peng Yao," Xuan Liang said finally, his voice tinged with gratitude. "Your diligence and dedication to duty are commendable. Return to your post and continue to monitor Li Rong's movements. We cannot afford to let our guard down."
Peng Yao nodded in understanding, a sense of relief washing over him as he prepared to depart. He knew that his task was far from over and that there was still much work to be done.
As he made his way back to Jiang Bei, Peng Yao's thoughts drifted back to his time watching over Li Rong in the Cloud Chained Valley. Despite the monotony of their surveillance, there had been moments of levity amidst the seriousness of their mission.
He remembered the countless hours spent in silence as Li Rong cultivated in the caves, the boredom driving Peng Yao to distraction as he bombarded Yi Wei with endless questions. He recalled the incident at the river, where his curiosity had nearly gotten the better of him, much to Yi Wei's chagrin.
But Peng Yao knew better than to include such frivolous details in his report to Xuan Liang. His loyalty to his general and his commitment to duty outweighed any desire for amusement or distraction.
With a renewed sense of purpose, Peng Yao returned to Jiang Bei, ready to resume his surveillance and ensure that Li Rong remained safe under their watchful eye.
Little did he know, however, that their mission was far from over, and that the road ahead would be fraught with danger and uncertainty.