The lantern flickered dimly, and shadows danced across the wet, crumbling walls of the secret library. The musty smell of old paper and moist stone filled the air. Leaning over the table, Jianyu rubbed his fingers across the strewn maps and faded papers. The papers' faded ink revealed a tale of secrets and treachery.
Taking out a thin sheet of paper, Tian declared, "This is it." He moved slowly and cautiously, as though he was worried that touching the delicate paper would shatter it. Examining the lines of drawings and odd symbols, he furrowed his brow. "Something is beginning to fit together."
Gazing at the map, Jianyu followed the lines of the indicated places with his finger. On his father's notepad, each point was associated with a name. He stated, "These aren't random attacks," in a rushed manner. "Every target has something to do with the court of the emperor." Generals, teachers, and merchants have long held positions of authority.
Tian's expression darkened. "The Black Lotus doesn't kill for power alone." To be in power, they kill. Your dad must have discovered their web. They killed him because of this.
Jianyu was struck hard in the chest by Tian's comments. He took a good look at the names. He was reminded of a perilous scheme by the lines that were painted around them. "And my dad's pals weren't the only people on this list. They were his supporters. They appeared to be retaliating.
Tian nodded grimly. "Your dad was putting together a group to reveal the Black Lotus." They pursued him for that reason. Since he was the only one who could stop them, they were terrified of him.
When Jianyu realised what was happening, he was taken aback. His family was intentionally erased, not merely at random. He was now carrying the burden of that unfinished battle.
When Jianyu touched a folded letter sealed with a recognisable crest, he halted their perusal of the documents. His heart pounded as he unfolded the paper with trembling hands and carefully broke the seal. When he read the words on the page, his blood froze.
"No," he answered in a barely audible whisper. As he read it again, his chest constricted. He found it difficult to comprehend the treason written in cold, heartless ink.
"What is it?" As he approached, Tian enquired.
With a trembling voice, Jianyu thrust the letter in his direction. "Ren Shuo sent it."
As Tian read the letter, his face went rigid. The scholarly and lucid information demonstrated the movements of Lin Zhiwei and his companions. The final lines were, "The targets are exposed," in a knife-like manner. Carry out your plan. After the job is completed, payment will be sent.
"He betrayed us!" shouted Jianyu. Anger made his voice harsh. "Ren Shuo was not merely a companion. He was the one who reported the Black Lotus to us.
Tian inhaled and exhaled deeply and slowly. He clenched his jaw. "That's how they knew." How they arrived at your house before your father could do action.
With his emotions scattered, Jianyu paced the room. He continued to observe Ren's composed manner and his subliminal warnings. His perception of the events was altered each time by the harsh reality of his treachery.
Angrily, Jianyu remarked, "He pretended to care." He tightened his fists and used his fingernails to bite his palms. "He worked for them the whole time." My family was killed by him.
Tian spoke steadily and quietly, but with a tone of anger. Guys like him frequently chose survival over loyalty. In addition to killing people, the Black Lotus also purchases them. They provide you with safety, wealth, and strength. Additionally, they ensure that refusal is not an option.
Suddenly, Jianyu halted and turned to look at Tian. Anger blazed in his eyes. "I don't care why he did it." This will not go unpunished.
Tian stepped forward and seized Jianyu's shoulder firmly. His voice was stern as he said, "Vengeance can wait," "Ren Shuo is more knowledgeable about the Black Lotus, their commanders, and their plans if he is still living.He is beneficial. He must continue to live.
Jianyu's body was stiff with fury, and he was having trouble breathing. He grudgingly accepted after a protracted silence. "Then we find him." He does respond this time.
With a stern expression, Tian dropped the sword. "All right. However, keep in mind that Ren is merely a participant in this. We're not pursuing a single man. We are facing a mysterious force.
Jianyu noticed the network of names and lines when he turned back to face the table. The extent to which the Black Lotus had assimilated into the kingdom was now evident to him. They might be sent to politicians, businesspeople, spies, and murderers worldwide. Among the few who opposed them was his family.
With a calm, icy tone, Jianyu stated, "We show them off." "Everyone." "We search for the Black Lotus and make them pay for what they've done."
Tian nodded feebly, but his eyes were doubtful. "That's a good goal." Don't allow it to make you stupid.
Jianyu's heart was blazing, and he was unable to extinguish it as they packed up the papers. It was a mixture of resolve and rage. He accelerated, but he felt burdened by Tian's stillness.
"Do you not believe I can handle this?" With a harsh voice, Jianyu said fast.
Tian took a moment to gaze at him. His eyes were steady but sorrowful as he did. "I believe you are ready to fight." However, I have witnessed what causes harm in altercations such as this.
Yelling, Jianyu said, "I'm not like you." "I'm not going to fail."
Tian's expression shifted, as if he were experiencing guilt or something more profound. "Everyone says that." "Until they do."
The tenseness of the words seemed to linger in the air. Jianyu looked away. His fury persisted, but he remained determined. He would not be deterred by Tian's concerns. Not feasible.
They walked out of the archive as the sun began to peek through the trees at the beginning of the day. At the forest's edge, Jianyu paused and stared straight ahead, catching a glimpse of a distant metropolis. He gripped his blade tighter. His family's heritage was like armour on his shoulders.
"They thought they could get rid of us," Jianyu stated firmly. "But the shadows can't hide anymore."