Li Feng returned to the Li Clan estate just before dawn, the Celestial Jade Amulet tucked safely in his robes. His body buzzed with newfound strength and agility from completing the System's quest, but he knew he couldn't relax just yet. The Zhou Clan would quickly realize the amulet was missing, and it wouldn't take long for suspicion to fall on the Li Clan.
For now, he needed to lie low, study the amulet, and figure out his next move.
The System's notification broke his thoughts.
[New Quest Available: Investigate the Amulet's Secrets]
[Task: Study the Celestial Jade Amulet to unlock its power.]
[Reward: Skill Upgrade for Shadow Step (Nightfall Mode)]
Li Feng's eyes lit up at the reward. "Nightfall Mode" sounded like an even stronger version of the stealth ability, and in a world where danger lurked around every corner, every advantage counted.
He slipped into his quarters, locking the door behind him before he carefully took out the amulet. In the soft light of dawn, the jade dragon seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly glow, as if alive.
"System," he murmured. "Analyze the amulet."
A wave of information flowed into his mind.
[Analyzing Celestial Jade Amulet...]
[Description: A relic from ancient times, the amulet is said to connect its wielder with celestial energies, enhancing mental clarity and cultivation speed. It is also rumored to have hidden powers accessible only through specific rituals.]
[Requirement: Cultivation Level: Mid Foundation Stage. Current Level: Low Foundation Stage.]
Li Feng frowned. He was still one level below the requirement to fully unlock the amulet's power, but he was tantalizingly close. He would need to train and gather more cultivation points to reach Mid Foundation Stage.
Before he could strategize further, a loud knock jolted him from his thoughts.
"Li Feng!" The voice of Elder Wen rang through the door. "The clan elders have summoned you. Now."
Li Feng quickly tucked the amulet into his robes and opened the door, feigning a look of innocence. "Elder Wen, what's the urgency?"
The elder's piercing gaze bored into him, suspicion simmering behind his eyes. "The Zhou Clan reported that a valuable artifact was stolen from their sacred hall last night. And according to their spies, someone matching your description was seen near their estate."
Li Feng's mind raced. He couldn't let the elders—or anyone else in the clan—discover the truth. "Me? Near the Zhou Clan's estate?" He scoffed, feigning insult. "With all due respect, Elder Wen, I have no reason to risk my life for some petty theft. I've only just begun training again."
Elder Wen's expression softened slightly, but he continued to scrutinize Li Feng with narrowed eyes. "Then you'll have no issue joining us to discuss this matter with the elders."
Li Feng nodded, hiding his nerves with a calm facade. "Of course."
---
In the grand hall, the Li Clan elders sat in a semi-circle, their faces stern and unreadable. Li Feng felt the weight of their judgmental stares but held his ground, reminding himself of the power he'd gained and the System's promise of more.
The head elder, a silver-haired man with a voice like gravel, leaned forward. "Li Feng, do you have anything to say regarding these accusations from the Zhou Clan?"
Li Feng met the elder's gaze without flinching. "I'm afraid I don't know what you mean. I've been here, focusing on my training. Besides, why would I risk inciting conflict over an artifact?"
The elder raised an eyebrow, not entirely convinced. "Because, as you well know, conflict often follows you. This clan has tolerated much due to your past status, but if we find you've jeopardized us—"
A murmur of agreement rippled through the hall, and Li Feng's heart pounded, his mind racing for a way to turn the situation in his favor.
The System's chime echoed again.
[New Quest Available: Turn the Tables]
[Task: Convince the elders to investigate the Zhou Clan's intentions instead.]
[Reward: +5 Charisma Points, Skill Upgrade for Charming Aura (Persuasive Influence Mode)]
Li Feng's lips curled into a subtle smile. He took a deep breath, letting his "Charming Aura" skill activate, then spoke with a confidence that seemed to fill the hall.
"With respect, esteemed elders, isn't it possible the Zhou Clan is fabricating this story to create tension? They've envied our success for years and would benefit from distracting us with false accusations." He paused, allowing his words to settle, and noticed the elders exchanging glances, doubt creeping into their expressions.
"Perhaps," he continued smoothly, "this is an opportunity to gather our own information. Let's send a representative to the Zhou Clan under the guise of mediation. If they are hiding something, they'll reveal it. And if there truly was a theft, then we'll know for sure that it was not instigated by anyone from our clan."
The head elder stroked his beard thoughtfully, glancing at the others. "An interesting idea. Cunning, but… perhaps effective."
The System pinged again in his mind.
[Congratulations! You have completed the quest: Turn the Tables.]
[Reward: +5 Charisma Points, Skill Upgrade: Charming Aura (Persuasive Influence Mode)]
The room fell into silence before the head elder nodded. "Very well. We'll proceed with caution, as you suggest. But understand, Li Feng: if it's proven that you've lied, even your status as the young master's son will not protect you."
Li Feng bowed respectfully, relief flooding through him. "Thank you, Elder. I understand completely."
As the elders filed out, Elder Wen lingered, his gaze still wary. "I don't know what game you're playing, Li Feng, but I hope you're prepared for the consequences if you're caught."
Li Feng met his gaze calmly. "No game, Elder Wen. Only loyalty to the Li Clan."
---
After the meeting, Li Feng returned to his quarters, his heart pounding with both excitement and relief. He'd narrowly escaped suspicion and had successfully turned the clan's focus onto the Zhou Clan instead. But he couldn't afford to let his guard down.
With his "Charming Aura" skill now enhanced, his persuasive power felt sharper, more refined. And his desire to unlock the amulet's full potential burned within him.
Sitting cross-legged on his mat, he summoned the System once again.
"System," he whispered, "is there a way to accelerate my cultivation level to reach Mid Foundation Stage?"
The System responded promptly:
[Quest Chain Initiated: Path of the Rogue Cultivator]
[Stage 1 Task: Meditate with the Celestial Jade Amulet for six hours. Use its celestial energy to break through to the next cultivation level.]
[Reward: Mid Foundation Stage, Skill Upgrade for Shadow Step (Nightfall Mode)]
Li Feng's eyes sparkled with excitement. This was his chance to rise even further, to prove he was no longer the disgraced young master but someone worthy of respect and power. With the amulet placed in front of him, he closed his eyes and began to meditate, focusing his mind on drawing in its energy.
---
The hours passed in a blur as he felt the energy from the amulet surge through him, merging with his own cultivation, pushing him closer to the Mid Foundation Stage. His body felt lighter, his mind sharper, as he allowed the power to flow through him, enhancing his strength and honing his senses.
At last, the System's triumphant chime echoed in his mind.
[Congratulations! You have achieved Mid Foundation Stage.]
[Skill Upgrade: Shadow Step (Nightfall Mode) unlocked.]
As he opened his eyes, he felt transformed, his body pulsing with new strength. His cultivation had reached a level that could hold its own against some of the stronger clan members, and with Nightfall Mode in his arsenal, his stealth abilities would be nearly unmatched.
He grinned, gripping the amulet tightly. Now, with his newfound power, he could protect himself from the Zhou Clan's wrath and assert his place within the Li Clan.
But as he rose, a new notification appeared.
[Warning: The Zhou Clan has mobilized a reconnaissance squad towards the Li Clan.]
Li Feng's grin faded, his jaw tightening as he read the notification. The Zhou Clan was moving fast. If they discovered he was the thief, the fragile peace between the clans would shatter, plunging both sides into conflict.
His next move would require both cunning and caution, for any misstep could lead to war. But with the System guiding him, he felt ready.