Li Feng and Chen Li walked through the bustling streets of the Li Clan's territory. The Li estate was at the heart of a thriving town where clan members, merchants, and travelers mingled in a cacophony of voices, laughter, and the occasional argument. Today, however, Li Feng's purpose was singular: to find information on the shadow group he'd hinted about to Zhou Wei.
The System's notifications popped up.
[New Quest Available: Unearth the Shadows]
[Task: Discover credible information about the mysterious shadow group causing disturbances in the region. Use the "Insight" skill to find someone who may know more.]
[Reward: +10 Intelligence Points, Special Skill Unlock: Shadow Bind (Entangles a target with spiritual energy, slowing them down)]
Li Feng turned to Chen, who was eyeing the streets with interest. "Chen, I need you to keep an eye out. Look for anyone who seems… a bit out of place. Someone with too much interest in the clans' movements."
Chen gave a mischievous smile. "So, we're on a stakeout? Finally, something to spice up my day."
The two began weaving through the crowded streets, watching closely. Li Feng activated his "Insight" skill, and his surroundings seemed to sharpen, every person's demeanor becoming clearer. He could see hints of emotions and intentions—eagerness, greed, fear. It was as if everyone wore a second skin, revealing what lay beneath their words and actions.
They walked past shops, vendors, and inns until, finally, Li Feng's gaze landed on a man standing in the shadow of a spice shop. The man's demeanor was tense, his eyes darting from side to side as if expecting to be ambushed. Beneath his cloak, Li Feng spotted the faint glint of a concealed weapon.
[Insight Skill Activated: Target shows signs of suspicion and stealth. Intentions: Observing clan activity.]
Li Feng nudged Chen. "That man. By the spice shop. See how he's looking around?"
Chen glanced subtly. "He doesn't seem like a simple traveler. Looks more like he's waiting for someone—or watching for something."
"Let's get closer," Li Feng murmured.
They approached the man, blending into the crowd until they were within earshot. Li Feng listened carefully, straining to catch snippets of the man's muttering.
"… clan movements… inform the captain…"
Li Feng's eyes narrowed. Whoever this man was, he was definitely involved in something clandestine. He activated "Charming Aura" and approached the man with a friendly smile.
"Hello, friend! New to town?" Li Feng's voice was cheerful, his demeanor disarming.
The man startled, his hand twitching toward his hidden weapon, but he quickly recovered. "I… I'm just passing through. No business here."
Li Feng nodded casually. "Ah, just like me then! Though I have to say, you look like you know your way around. Have you heard any interesting news lately?"
The man hesitated, eyes narrowing slightly. "Not much worth mentioning."
Chen chimed in, playing along. "Well, we heard there's been talk of some group stirring up trouble around here. Dangerous folk, hiding in the shadows. You know anything about that?"
The man's gaze flickered with recognition for a split second before he hid it behind a neutral expression. "I wouldn't know about that. Best stay out of things you don't understand."
Li Feng exchanged a quick look with Chen before speaking again. "We understand a lot, actually. Like how it's not safe for just anyone to loiter in a clan's territory without a reason." His tone took on a sharper edge, and he leaned in closer. "Why don't you tell us who you're really waiting for?"
The man's eyes flashed with fear, and he stepped back. "I don't have to tell you anything!"
Before he could turn to flee, Li Feng activated his newly unlocked "Shadow Bind" skill. His spiritual energy surged forward, wrapping around the man's legs, holding him in place. The man struggled, looking down in confusion at the invisible energy binding him.
"What… what's going on?" he stammered.
Li Feng's voice was cold. "You're going to answer my questions, or I'll make sure your life here ends before it even starts. Now… who sent you?"
The man's eyes darted around, desperation written on his face. He seemed to weigh his options, then finally relented. "Fine! I'm part of a reconnaissance unit sent to monitor the clans. My orders were to watch for any unusual movements."
"Orders from whom?" Li Feng pressed.
"The Black Lotus Syndicate," the man muttered reluctantly. "They've been keeping tabs on the Zhou and Li Clans for weeks. They're planning something big, but I don't know the details. I'm just a scout."
Li Feng and Chen exchanged glances. The Black Lotus Syndicate was a notorious shadow group rumored to have ties in every major clan, but their activities were cloaked in mystery. If they were watching the Li and Zhou Clans, it could only mean trouble.
"What do they want with the clans?" Chen asked.
The man hesitated, looking around nervously. "They're after… something ancient. Artifacts with celestial energy. I don't know what or where, but they're determined to find it."
Li Feng felt a chill run down his spine. The Celestial Jade Amulet. The Black Lotus Syndicate was likely aware of its existence and power, and if they were looking for artifacts with celestial energy, they would come for it sooner or later.
Li Feng released the man from the Shadow Bind, letting the invisible restraints fall away. The man stumbled back, looking at Li Feng with a mixture of fear and anger.
"If you tell anyone about this conversation," Li Feng warned, his voice low and menacing, "you'll regret it. Leave town and never come back."
The man nodded hastily and scurried off, disappearing into the crowd.
Chen whistled softly. "The Black Lotus Syndicate, huh? If they're involved, this could get serious fast."
Li Feng nodded, his mind racing. He needed to learn more about the Syndicate's plans and, more importantly, secure the amulet before they got any closer. The System chimed, rewarding him for his successful investigation.
[Congratulations! You have completed "Unearth the Shadows."]
[Reward: +10 Intelligence Points, Skill Unlock: Shadow Bind (Advanced Immobilization)]
The advanced Shadow Bind skill would allow him to restrain multiple targets, a power he was certain would come in handy if the Syndicate tried to make a move.
He turned to Chen. "We need to be careful. If the Syndicate is looking for artifacts with celestial energy, we're not the only ones in danger. The Zhou Clan could be a target, too."
Chen nodded, his face grim. "What's the plan?"
"For now, we need to keep this information between us," Li Feng said. "Let's return to the clan and see if we can gather anything about recent artifact movements or sightings of strangers. The more we know, the better we can prepare."
As they turned back toward the Li estate, Li Feng's mind churned with possibilities and dangers. The Black Lotus Syndicate's interest in celestial artifacts meant he had little time to spare. His power, his clan, and even his life would be on the line if they came too close.