The midnight hour was quiet, the silence broken only by the faint rustle of leaves as a cool breeze swept through the Li estate. Li Feng had just returned to his quarters after an intense evening practicing the Celestial Severance with Li Mei, his mind heavy with the knowledge he'd gained and the risks still looming over him.
But sleep wouldn't come easily. The Black Lotus Syndicate's presence and their ambitions were growing shadows on his thoughts, keeping him vigilant.
Just as he began to settle down, the System chimed with an alert.
[Quest Update: A Spy Within]
[Objective: Locate and uncover the Syndicate's spy rumored to be hiding within the Li Clan. Be cautious; trust no one.
[Reward: +20 Stealth Points, Special Skill: Mirage Step (Enhances movement speed and stealth, making the user nearly invisible in low light)
Li Feng's eyes narrowed. A spy within the clan? That would explain how the Syndicate had so quickly gathered information on the clan's activities. Without a moment to waste, he threw on his cloak and slipped out of his quarters, his mind racing.
---
The quiet halls of the estate were empty, the lanterns casting eerie shadows on the stone walls. He moved silently, following a hunch that the spy might be hiding near the clan's secure archives. If the Syndicate were seeking information on celestial artifacts, the archives would hold key texts.
As he neared the entrance of the archives, a shadowy figure emerged from a hidden alcove, glancing around nervously. Li Feng recognized him as Han Jin, one of the clan's junior servants, known for his quiet nature and unassuming presence.
"Han Jin," Li Feng murmured, activating "Insight" as he studied the servant. The faint energy of deception and nervousness radiated from him, confirming the System's warning. Han Jin was the spy.
Li Feng moved closer, his footsteps silent as he activated his "Charming Aura," projecting a friendly yet commanding presence. "Han Jin," he called softly.
The servant flinched, but quickly tried to compose himself. "Young Master Li Feng. I… I didn't expect to see you here at this hour."
Li Feng raised an eyebrow, his voice calm but firm. "The real question, Han Jin, is what you're doing here."
Han Jin's eyes flicked to the side, and he forced a nervous smile. "I was only… cleaning, Young Master. Just making sure everything is in order for the morning."
"Interesting," Li Feng replied, his gaze piercing. "The archives don't need cleaning this late at night. Perhaps you could explain why you're lurking around here."
Han Jin's composure cracked, and he shifted uncomfortably. "Young Master, I… I mean no harm. I just… well…"
Before he could stammer out another excuse, Li Feng activated "Shadow Bind," locking Han Jin's legs in place. The servant's eyes widened in terror as he realized he was trapped.
"Enough lies," Li Feng's tone was icy. "Tell me who sent you, or I'll ensure you're handed over to the elders for punishment."
Han Jin's face turned pale, and he broke down under the pressure. "Please, please don't! I'll tell you everything! I'm just a messenger. The Black Lotus Syndicate recruited me. They said if I could get them information, they'd reward me, and if I didn't…"
"They'd kill you," Li Feng finished coldly.
Han Jin nodded, shaking. "They told me to monitor the clan's movements and look for anything unusual. They were particularly interested in any… celestial artifacts."
Li Feng's suspicions were confirmed, but he needed more. "Who is your contact in the Syndicate? Where are they now?"
"They're hiding in a village south of here," Han Jin whispered. "They didn't tell me much—only to pass along anything I found, and to keep watch for strange gatherings. They're planning something, but I don't know the details."
Li Feng's mind raced. A base near the village would allow the Syndicate to stay close to both the Li and Zhou Clans, watching for any signs of the amulet. But if he could locate their base, he could take the fight directly to them.
The System chimed softly, acknowledging his progress.
[Quest Complete: A Spy Within]
[Reward: +20 Stealth Points, Special Skill: Mirage Step (Enhances movement speed and stealth, making the user nearly invisible in low light)]
[New Quest Available: Infiltrate the Syndicate's Outpost]
[Objective: Gather intel on the Syndicate's plans by infiltrating their outpost near the village. Be cautious—avoid direct confrontation unless necessary.]
[Reward: +30 Stealth Points, Item: Smoke Veil Charm (Can create a one-time escape mist when activated)]
Li Feng released the "Shadow Bind," stepping back. "Han Jin, you're going to stay silent about this. You'll report to me from now on, and if I catch you lying or sneaking around again, the Syndicate won't be able to protect you. Understood?"
Han Jin nodded frantically. "Yes, Young Master. I… I swear, I won't do anything else."
"Good." With that, Li Feng turned and disappeared into the shadows, his new skill "Mirage Step" activating, allowing him to slip through the halls nearly invisible in the dim light.
---
The next morning, Li Feng stood at the edge of the estate, looking out toward the southern road leading to the village. His journey would be dangerous, but with Mirage Step and the new Smoke Veil Charm, he felt prepared to face the Syndicate's scouts.
Chen, who had been informed of the mission, walked up beside him. "You sure about this, Feng? The Syndicate isn't the kind of enemy we can just intimidate."
"That's exactly why I have to go," Li Feng replied, determination in his voice. "If I can find out what they're planning, we'll be a step ahead. Besides, I don't intend to fight. This is a stealth mission."
Chen nodded, respect in his gaze. "Then be careful. The clan can't afford to lose you to those shadowy cowards."
Li Feng gave a confident smile and slipped away from the estate, heading south toward the village.
---
After a few hours of traveling, he reached the outskirts of the small village nestled in the valley. The buildings were simple, with farmers and traders going about their business. The villagers seemed unaware of the danger lurking nearby.
Li Feng activated "Mirage Step," his form blurring as he moved silently through the village, following the directions Han Jin had given him. He made his way to a secluded area near a line of trees, where he spotted a small, inconspicuous shack hidden among the dense foliage.
His heart pounded as he approached the shack, and he could hear faint voices from inside.
"… artifact should be within the Li Clan's reach. Our scouts have already confirmed the presence of celestial energy."
"Good," another voice replied. "The ritual must proceed as planned. Once we have the artifact, we'll initiate the Eclipse Ascension."
Li Feng's breath caught. He was right—the Syndicate was planning to use the amulet's energy to complete the Eclipse Ascension ritual.
He edged closer, hoping to gather more information. But before he could hear more, a snap of a twig behind him made him freeze.
Turning quickly, he saw a pair of Syndicate scouts patrolling the perimeter, their eyes scanning the area. He pressed himself against the side of the shack, activating Mirage Step to blend into the shadows.
One of the scouts glanced in his direction, frowning. "Did you hear something?"
The other shook his head. "Probably just an animal. Come on, let's finish this round."
Li Feng held his breath as the scouts moved past him, disappearing into the trees. Releasing a sigh of relief, he refocused on the voices inside the shack.
"The clan won't know what hit them. Our men are positioned all around their territory. When the time comes, we strike, take the artifact, and leave no one alive."
Li Feng's pulse raced. This was no simple scouting mission—the Syndicate was preparing a full-scale assault on the Li Clan.
His mind spun, formulating a plan. He needed to get back to the clan immediately and prepare them for the coming attack. Quietly, he activated his Smoke Veil Charm, releasing a thin mist around him to obscure his exit as he slipped away from the Syndicate's outpost.
---
Back at the Li estate, Li Feng gathered his most trusted allies, including Chen and Li Mei, who had been anxiously waiting for his return.
"They're planning a direct assault on the clan," he informed them, his voice grim. "They're after the amulet, and they won't leave anyone alive."
Li Mei paled. "Then we have to act now. If they're as organized as you say, we can't afford to wait."
Chen clenched his fists. "Then we make our stand here. If the Syndicate wants a fight, they'll regret stepping foot in our territory."
Li Feng nodded, feeling the weight of the responsibility on his shoulders. "Prepare the clan's defenses, alert the elders, and gather every available fighter. This time, we'll be ready."
He looked out at the distant horizon, where the first signs of dawn were breaking. The Syndicate's assault was imminent, but with the clan united, he knew they would stand a chance.