Li Feng paced his quarters, the System's warning echoing in his mind. The Zhou Clan's reconnaissance squad was on its way to the Li estate, and their arrival would be anything but a friendly visit. If they uncovered any hint of the stolen amulet in his possession, it would spell disaster for him and his clan.
The System, as usual, had impeccable timing.
[New Quest Available: Conceal the Evidence]
[Task: Use the Celestial Jade Amulet's energy to create a protective barrier, concealing its presence from spiritual detection.]
[Reward: +10 Stealth Points, Skill Unlock: Illusion Veil (Basic Concealment)]
Li Feng's lips curled in a wry smile. He'd barely gotten his hands on the amulet, and already he was learning the value of keeping secrets.
He sat cross-legged on his mat and placed the amulet in front of him. Closing his eyes, he allowed his consciousness to connect with the object, feeling the faint hum of celestial energy flowing from it. Focusing on the energy, he visualized it wrapping around the amulet, shielding it from prying eyes and senses.
The System guided him, its instructions flowing seamlessly into his mind. He worked carefully, feeling the amulet's energy intertwine with his own cultivation, creating a barrier that pulsed invisibly around the amulet.
After several minutes, the System pinged again.
[Congratulations! You have completed "Conceal the Evidence."]
[Reward: +10 Stealth Points, Skill Unlocked: Illusion Veil (Basic Concealment)]
Li Feng felt a surge of satisfaction as his new skill settled into his consciousness. The "Illusion Veil" would allow him to project a simple disguise or conceal small objects—a handy tool when dealing with prying eyes. He tested it immediately, shrouding the amulet in an invisible layer that would mask its presence to anyone who came searching.
Just in time, too, because at that moment, a servant knocked on his door.
"Young Master Li Feng, the Zhou Clan has arrived."
---
Li Feng walked through the clan's courtyard with measured steps, his mind racing. He had only one chance to divert suspicion from himself, but with his enhanced charisma and the skills granted by the System, he felt up to the challenge.
In the main hall, a group of Zhou Clan members stood, their expressions tense and hostile. Their leader was none other than Zhou Wei—the same man Li Feng had encountered during his theft of the amulet. Zhou Wei's gaze landed on him immediately, his eyes narrowing with recognition.
"So, the Li Clan sends their young scoundrel to greet us," Zhou Wei sneered. "Quite fitting."
Li Feng gave a slight bow, keeping his face blank and his demeanor calm. "Elder Zhou Wei, it's always a pleasure. Though I can't say I expected such a grand visit."
Zhou Wei's face darkened. "Enough pleasantries. We know your clan is hiding something, and we demand the truth."
Before Li Feng could respond, Elder Wen stepped forward, his voice firm. "The Li Clan does not appreciate being falsely accused, Zhou Wei. We demand proof if you intend to level such accusations."
Zhou Wei's lip curled in disdain. "Proof? We have witnesses who saw someone resembling your 'young master' skulking near our sacred hall the night the amulet was taken."
Elder Wen's eyes flicked toward Li Feng, and for a brief moment, suspicion flashed across his face. Li Feng felt the pressure mounting but held his composure, activating "Charming Aura" to add a layer of calm confidence to his words.
"Elder Zhou Wei," he said smoothly, "surely you don't believe a few rumors and vague descriptions are enough to implicate the entire Li Clan. I was here, as were many witnesses. In fact, my own elders can attest to my presence."
The Zhou Clan members exchanged glances, their certainty wavering. Zhou Wei's gaze hardened. "Even if you were here, it wouldn't absolve your clan of responsibility. Perhaps it was a rogue agent. You may be shielding them without even knowing."
Li Feng felt the weight of Zhou Wei's accusation pressing down, but the System chimed again.
[New Quest Available: The Art of Diversion]
[Task: Plant a piece of misleading information to direct the Zhou Clan's suspicions elsewhere.
[Reward: +5 Intelligence Points, Skill Upgrade: Illusion Veil (Advanced Concealment Mode)]
Li Feng's mind raced. If he could redirect Zhou Wei's attention, he might be able to buy himself enough time to secure the amulet's secrets and gain further cultivation points. A bold plan formed in his mind, and he made his decision.
"Perhaps, Elder Zhou Wei, your clan has other enemies who would seek to disrupt the peace between our clans?" he suggested. "We've all heard rumors of a shadow group operating in the area, targeting clans of influence. What if they were the true culprits?"
The suggestion was planted, and Zhou Wei's expression turned pensive as he considered the possibility.
Elder Wen picked up on the shift, nodding thoughtfully. "Indeed, there have been reports of mysterious figures moving in the region. Perhaps your clan has become a target of their schemes."
Zhou Wei glanced at his fellow clan members, his confidence wavering. "If this is true, we may have a larger issue at hand. But I still cannot overlook the possibility that your young master had a role."
Li Feng stepped forward, a hint of defiance in his tone. "Then let us work together to investigate this shadow group and clear our names. The Li Clan has no need to steal from others to gain power, and I will personally assist in finding the true culprits."
The System pinged in his mind once more.
[Congratulations! You have completed "The Art of Diversion."]
[Reward: +5 Intelligence Points, Skill Upgrade: Illusion Veil (Advanced Concealment Mode)]
The upgraded skill felt like a surge of new power, making him even more adept at hiding objects, even from spiritual detection. His words hung in the air, and Zhou Wei seemed caught off guard by his boldness.
After a tense silence, Zhou Wei nodded curtly. "Very well. We will leave this matter in your hands—for now. But mark my words, Li Feng. If we uncover any deception, the Zhou Clan will show no mercy."
With that, Zhou Wei and his team turned to leave, their footsteps echoing down the halls as they departed.
As soon as they were gone, Elder Wen gave Li Feng a long, searching look. "You've made a dangerous enemy today, Li Feng. But you handled yourself well. Just be sure that if anything comes to light, the consequences won't fall on the rest of us."
Li Feng inclined his head respectfully. "Of course, Elder Wen. The Li Clan's safety is my priority."
The elder held his gaze a moment longer before turning and leaving, clearly unconvinced but willing to let it go—for now.
---
Once alone, Li Feng returned to his quarters and took a deep breath. He'd successfully diverted suspicion, for now, but he knew that Zhou Wei's words weren't empty. If he wanted to protect himself and the Li Clan, he needed more power, more skills—and most importantly, more allies.
The System chimed again, as if reading his thoughts.
[New Quest Available: Gather Allies]
[Task: Seek out a potential ally within the Li Clan who can assist you in your journey. Gain their loyalty.]
[Reward: +10 Charisma Points, Skill Unlock: Insight (Allows detection of others' intentions)]
Li Feng's mind immediately went to Chen Li, his childhood friend. Chen was one of the few who hadn't given up on him, despite his troubled past, and he was well-connected within the clan's younger members. With Chen on his side, he would not only gain a loyal companion but also someone who could help him navigate the clan's politics and keep an eye on any threats.
The System's chime faded as Li Feng left his quarters in search of Chen. He found him in the training courtyard, practicing his swordsmanship. When Chen noticed Li Feng approaching, he sheathed his sword with a grin.
"Back so soon, Li Feng? I half-expected you'd be locked up with the elders after that little encounter."
Li Feng smirked. "Almost, but I managed to turn things around. I could use someone who knows the clan as well as you do, though. There are… things I can't handle alone."
Chen raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Things, huh? Are you finally plotting something interesting?"
Li Feng chuckled. "Let's just say, the clan is about to see a side of me they never expected. But I need a friend I can trust."
Chen nodded thoughtfully, a glint of excitement in his eyes. "Well, you've always kept things interesting, that's for sure. Count me in."
[Congratulations! You have completed "Gather Allies."]
[Reward: +10 Charisma Points, Skill Unlock: Insight (Allows detection of others' intentions)]
As they left the courtyard, Li Feng felt his newfound skill settle into his mind, heightening his awareness of others' motives and hidden intentions. With Chen by his side, the path to power felt less daunting. He'd need every ounce of cunning and strength he could muster for what lay ahead, but with his ally and the System's support, he was confident he could face whatever challenges the future held.