As the group approached the supposed meeting point, tensions grew. When they saw a convoy bearing the Silver Cloud Sect's emblem, they realized things were more complicated than they had thought. The guards surrounding the shipment were using advanced agricultural techniques, and an aura of authority surrounded them.
Zan whispered to Lian:
"Watch their movements. Pay attention to how they move. In this world, careful observation can be a weapon stronger than any sword."
The wind blew slowly, as if whispering secrets of the coming darkness. Zan and his group gathered in their hidden position near the convoy, their eyes fixed on the carefully arranged carts, with the Silver Cloud Sect's guards moving cautiously around them.
Zan (in a low voice):
"This is our chance. Lian, come with me. Jian, you and Mei stay here for surveillance. I don't want any noise or unnecessary movement."
Jian nodded nervously, while Mei shot sharp glances at the carts, as if trying to solve the riddle of the shipment.
Zan and Lian crawled slowly toward the convoy, using the shadows and natural cover to conceal their movements. When they reached one of the rear carts, Zan signaled Lian to watch the guards while he quietly opened the cart door.
Inside the cart, there were neatly stacked wooden crates. Zan opened one of the crates, revealing bags filled with seeds that seemed ordinary at first glance.
Lian (in a low voice):
"Seeds? Is that all?"
But Zan stopped, his eyes fixed on the seeds. He reached out and grabbed a handful, and as soon as he touched them, he felt a cold current pass through his body.
Zan (whispering):
"No, these are not ordinary seeds. Something is wrong here."
Lian also felt uneasy. There was a strange flash passing through the seeds, as if they contained hidden energy.
Zan and Lian quickly returned to their group's position. They placed the seeds on the ground, and Mei began to examine them.
Mei (seriously):
"These seeds are imbued with some form of dark energy. This isn't natural cultivation energy. It seems they were specifically designed for demonic sects."
Jian (confused):
"Demonic seeds? What nonsense is this? They could just be ordinary agricultural supplies, and we're overreacting."
Zan (angrily):
"No, Jian. I felt the energy. These seeds are not normal. They're planning something."
Before they could continue their discussion, the mysterious agent suddenly appeared from the shadows. His eyes were hidden under his hood, but he spoke with a firm tone:
Mysterious Agent:
"These seeds are not food, and they're not ordinary. They're a weapon."
The group fell silent, staring at him in shock.
In the eerie darkness, the wind continued to whisper, as if telling tales of the shadows surrounding the convoy. Zan and his group sat near the suspicious seeds, while the mysterious agent stood calmly in front of them, his eyes gleaming with a sense of caution and danger.
Zan (in a stern tone):
"Speak. If you know all this, you better tell us everything now."
The mysterious agent sighed, as if the words were heavy on him, then said in a low voice:
"What I'm about to say could cost me my life, so listen carefully. This shipment is not just ordinary agricultural seeds. It's part of a massive betrayal within the Silver Cloud Sect."
Mei (astonished):
"Betrayal? Inside the Silver Cloud Sect? This is unbelievable."
Mysterious Agent:
"Believe it or not, it's the truth. One of the elders within the Silver Cloud Sect betrayed his oath and used his position to make a secret deal with the Dark Demon Sect. He promised to deliver these seeds in exchange for personal gain."
The agent pointed to the seeds before them and said:
"These are not normal seeds. They contain dark energy specifically designed to subdue anyone who consumes them. When ordinary people eat them, they enter the first stage of rapidly condensing their chi, but they become obedient slaves to the demonic sect. They can't rebel, they can't resist. These seeds are not a power, they're a curse."
The group fell silent for a moment, then Jian spoke angrily:
"So these seeds are going to be used to turn the people of Dragon City into an army of slaves?"
Mysterious Agent:
"Exactly. The purpose of this operation is to take control of the entire city. The Dark Demon Sect plans to use these slaves to fortify its strategic position in this area. In exchange, the traitor elder from the Silver Cloud Sect will gain immense influence and rewards beyond imagination."
Mei cut through the silence with a sharp tone:
"Wait a minute. If this is so dangerous, why didn't the traitor elder send stronger people to protect this shipment? If he's risking so much, it doesn't make sense for him to leave it in the hands of these guards."
The mysterious agent smiled sarcastically and said:
"Good question. The truth is, the traitor elder doesn't want to draw attention. Sending a large force would make the operation suspicious within the sect. So, he chose these guards, who owe him personal loyalty. They're strong enough to protect the shipment, but not strong enough to attract the attention of the other sect elders."
Zan (thoughtfully):
"So he's trying to work in secret, but he can't afford any mistakes. If we expose this operation, everything will collapse for him."
Jian (laughing mockingly):
"Now I get it. He's arrogant. He thinks no one would dare interfere with a shipment from the Silver Cloud Sect, even if there's a traitor behind it."
---
The Decision to Confront
Zan (with a determined tone):
"Maybe. But if we don't do anything, who will? If we deliver these seeds, we'll be complicit in this crime. I won't allow that."
Zan turned to the mysterious agent and asked seriously:
"Do you have a plan?"
Mysterious Agent (with a slight smile):
"The plan is simple. We have to destroy these seeds before they reach their destination. But it won't be easy. The guards here are well-trained, and there's a risk the traitor elder will send reinforcements if he senses danger."
Mei (cautiously):
"Do you know how we can destroy these seeds?"
The agent pulled out a small vial containing a clear liquid and said:
"This liquid will completely destroy the seeds if you pour it on them. But it will take some time to work, and it will cause a small explosion if subjected to too much pressure. We'll need to protect the site while the reaction happens."
The group began discussing and planning how to carry out the mission. Tension was clear on their faces, but their resolve was stronger.
Zan (addressing everyone):
"This is our chance to stop a demonic plot. We may not survive, but we won't back down. Lian, you'll be in charge of protecting the agent while he pours the liquid. Jian and Mei, you'll secure the site and handle any guards that approach."
Lian (in a firm voice):
"I'm ready."
Jian (sighing):
"If this is the path you've chosen, fine. I won't leave you alone."
As they neared the point of execution, the darkness thickened, as if the earth itself was preparing for the upcoming battle. The group knew that this mission could be their last adventure, but it was also the most important one.