With Lin Yue now by his side, Feng Xiao felt more confident and focused on his next goals. He was growing stronger and learning new skills with each passing day, but he knew there was still a long journey ahead. His breakthrough to the Core Formation realm had opened new possibilities, yet it also drew attention, both welcome and unwelcome. As word of his progress spread, Feng Xiao received a summons from the clan elders for a secret mission—a mission that could shift the delicate balance between the clans.
The elder was a wise and composed man named Elder Tian, met with Feng Xiao in a quiet hall of the clan . "Feng Xiao, your progress has been remarkable," Elder Tian began, his tone both respectful and serious. "We have watched your journey with great interest. Now, we ask for your assistance on a critical task."
Feng Xiao straightened, intrigued. "I am ready to serve the clan, Elder Tian. What do you need of me?"
Elder Tian looked at him with a steady gaze. "We have reason to believe that a dangerous relic known as the Shadow Pearl has fallen into the hands of a evil sect, the Crimson Serpents. This artifact is powerful, capable of enhancing a cultivator's evil arts, but it has a corrupting influence on the mind and soul. We need someone to infiltrate their stronghold and retrieve it before they can use it."
The name "Crimson Serpents" struck a chord. The Crimson Serpents were notorious for their ruthless methods and disregard for honor. Feng Xiao understood why the elders had chosen him; his newfound power and skills made him one of the best candidates for such a mission.
"I accept," he said, his voice steady.
Elder Tian nodded, pleased. "Good. But you will need to move with caution. The Crimson Serpents are powerful, and their members are highly skilled. We'll equip you with techniques and resources, including a rare art called Shadow Steps. It allows the user to move undetected, merging with shadows and disappearing from sight, making it ideal for stealth missions."
In preparation, Feng Xiao spent the next few days learning and practicing Shadow Steps, a technique that required incredible control and focus. Shadow Steps was categorized as an Intermediate-level Illusory Art. Unlike the more straightforward techniques he was accustomed to, this one involved manipulating his presence and merging with shadows, allowing him to move unseen.
The technique required him to circulate his qi in a unique pattern, activating the shadow energy hidden within. Once activated, he could cloak himself, blending into any dimly lit area as though he were part of the darkness. Mastering it proved challenging; if his concentration faltered for even a moment, the effect would break, revealing his presence. But with Lin Yue's and Feng Mei's guidance, he improved quickly.
Lin Yue, with her expertise in alchemy, also provided Feng Xiao with an elixir called Specter's Mist, designed to enhance one's ability to maintain shadow techniques longer. "This elixir will aid you, Feng Xiao, but only temporarily. Use it wisely; it won't last forever."
After days of intense training, Feng Xiao felt ready. His understanding of Shadow Steps grew, and with it, he developed a level of precision that he hadn't thought possible.
With everything prepared, Feng Xiao set out for the Crimson Serpents' stronghold, a hidden fortress deep within a dark forest at the outskirts of the province. The night was pitch-black as he approached, shrouded in shadows, his form blending perfectly with the environment thanks to Shadow Steps.
He slipped past guards who patrolled the outer edges of the stronghold, their lanterns casting dim pools of light that Feng Xiao carefully avoided. Using Shadow Steps, he moved from shadow to shadow, pausing when necessary, and patiently made his way toward the heart of the fortress.
Inside, the halls were eerie and silent, with faint traces of crimson decorations symbolizing the clan's ruthless legacy. As Feng Xiao continued deeper, he encountered a few of the Serpents' inner members. To his surprise, their cultivation levels varied, with several disciples in Core Formation and even one in the Nascent Soul stage. Feng Xiao would have to be cautious; a wrong move could alert these powerful cultivators to his presence.
Relying on his agility and the stealth from Shadow Steps, Feng Xiao avoided direct confrontation. His goal was to locate the Shadow Pearl and leave undetected. His pulse quickened as he moved closer to the inner chamber, where he suspected the artifact was kept.
Just as Feng Xiao reached a dimly lit corridor leading to the artifact room, he sensed someone approaching. Quickly activating Shadow Steps, he melded into the shadows, holding his breath as a young woman passed by, humming a faint tune.
Her aura was unique, radiating an intense, dangerous qi that hinted at dark arts. She was clearly a Crimson Serpent disciple, but one of high rank. Feng Xiao felt a twinge of unease; her cultivation level was almost as high as his own, and her skill in dark arts might allow her to detect him if he wasn't careful.
The woman paused suddenly, her gaze sweeping over the area. Feng Xiao held his breath, steadying his qi flow to ensure he remained undetected. After a moment, she continued down the hall, leaving him with a sense of relief.
But just as he began moving again, her voice called out. "You there in the shadows… who are you hiding from?"
A chill ran down Feng Xiao's spine. She hadn't looked back, yet she somehow sensed him. Thinking quickly, he activated the Specter's Mist elixir, feeling its effects enhance his cloak. He melded deeper into the darkness, his presence becoming even fainter.
The disciple lingered, then shook her head. "Must be my imagination…" she murmured before continuing on her way.
Relieved, Feng Xiao slipped further down the hall, finally reaching the artifact room.
Inside, the room was lined with eerie, blackened stones, and at its center sat the Shadow Pearl, pulsing with a dark, ominous light. Its energy radiated an unsettling chill, unlike anything Feng Xiao had encountered. He knew he would have to act fast; the artifact's aura alone could affect one's mind if exposed for too long.
He approached cautiously, using a containment talisman provided by Lin Yue. The talisman was inscribed with ancient runes that could temporarily seal the Pearl's energy, preventing it from latching onto its bearer. With a quick motion, Feng Xiao wrapped the talisman around the Pearl. The moment he did, the ominous light dimmed, and the cold aura faded slightly, contained within the seal.
However, as he held it in his hands, a sudden pulse of energy surged from the Pearl, sending a shiver up his spine. Images flashed in his mind—a crimson sky, shadowy figures, and voices whispering of power and despair. Feng Xiao gritted his teeth, focusing his qi to block out the strange energy.
The Pearl's effects were clearly insidious, designed to corrupt those who sought power recklessly. Feng Xiao's heart pounded as he quickly pocketed the artifact, wrapping it tightly in the talisman. He needed to escape before anyone realized the Pearl was gone.
As Feng Xiao made his way out of the inner chamber, an alarm suddenly blared. The Crimson Serpents must have sensed the Pearl's energy change or realized it was missing. Guards began pouring into the halls, their expressions grim as they searched for the intruder.
Feng Xiao activated Shadow Steps once again, moving quickly but carefully through the fortress. However, the energy drain from using both Shadow Steps and the Specter's Mist elixir was taking its toll. His movements felt slower, his energy reserves dwindling. He knew he had to conserve his strength if he wanted to make it out alive.
He reached the exit, but two Crimson Serpent disciples blocked his path, each wielding dark energy techniques. Seeing no other way, Feng Xiao prepared for a swift confrontation.
Unleashing his Phoenix Rebirth Flames, he created a burst of fire that momentarily blinded the disciples. As they reeled from the intense light, Feng Xiao used Shadow Steps to slip past them, dashing out into the forest beyond the stronghold. He kept running, pushing his qi to maintain Shadow Steps as he moved deeper into the safety of the trees.
Hours later, exhausted but triumphant, Feng Xiao returned to the sect with the Shadow Pearl in hand. Elder Tian awaited him, relief evident in his eyes as he accepted the artifact.
"You have done well, Feng Xiao," Elder Tian praised. "This mission required great courage and skill. The Crimson Serpents will be enraged, but with the Shadow Pearl in our hands, their influence is weakened."
Feng Xiao nodded, his heart swelling with pride. "I'm glad I could assist the sect, Elder."
Later, as he rested, Lin Yue and Feng Mei came to check on him. They congratulated him on his success, Lin Yue expressing particular interest in the Shadow Pearl. "Artifacts like these can be as dangerous as they are powerful," she murmured, her gaze thoughtful. "You've done well, Feng Xiao."
Feng Xiao smiled, grateful for their support.
---
End of Chapter