The morning sunlight filtered through the trees as Tang Xiu, Lei Xian, and Xu Liang traveled along the winding forest path. The air was crisp, but the tension from the previous night lingered.
Tang Xiu walked ahead, his gaze distant yet sharp. He replayed the events in his mind—the note, the attack, and the assassins' strange techniques. Someone was targeting him, but their motives were unclear.
Xu Liang broke the silence. "Boss, those assassins… they didn't seem like ordinary hired killers. Their precision, their discipline—it's like they were trained for this."
Tang Xiu nodded. "They weren't amateurs, that's for sure. Their techniques were too refined, and their leader's energy felt… wrong. Almost tainted."
Lei Xian frowned. "Do you think it's connected to the note? Whoever sent it might know who's behind this."
Tang Xiu smirked faintly. "That's exactly what we're going to find out."
Their journey led them to the nearby town of Qinghe, a bustling trade hub nestled at the edge of the forest. The streets were crowded with merchants hawking their wares, travelers passing through, and locals going about their daily lives.
Tang Xiu led the group to a small teahouse at the edge of the market. The place was quiet, with only a few patrons seated at scattered tables. Tang Xiu chose a corner table, his back to the wall, and motioned for Lei Xian and Xu Liang to sit.
"We'll start here," Tang Xiu said, his voice low. "Places like this are perfect for gathering information. Keep your ears open, but don't draw attention to yourselves."
As they sipped their tea, Tang Xiu's keen senses picked up snippets of conversation from nearby tables. Most of it was mundane chatter, but one discussion caught his attention.
"Did you hear about the assassins roaming the area?" a merchant whispered to his companion. "They've been targeting prominent martial artists lately."
"Who's behind it?" the other man asked, his voice hushed.
"No one knows," the merchant replied. "But they say their methods are ruthless, and their leader is a shadowy figure who answers to no one."
Tang Xiu's eyes narrowed. He stood abruptly, drawing curious glances from his companions.
"What is it?" Xu Liang asked.
"Stay here," Tang Xiu said. "I'll handle this."
Tang Xiu followed the merchant as he left the teahouse, weaving through the crowded streets. The man turned into a narrow alley, and Tang Xiu seized the opportunity to confront him.
"Wait," Tang Xiu called, his tone calm but firm.
The merchant froze, turning to face him with wide eyes. "Who… who are you?"
"That doesn't matter," Tang Xiu said. "I overheard your conversation about the assassins. Tell me everything you know."
The merchant hesitated, his fear evident. "I don't know much," he stammered. "Just rumors. Please, I'm not involved in any of this."
Tang Xiu's gaze hardened. "Rumors will do. Start talking."
The merchant swallowed nervously. "They call themselves the Shadow Sect. No one knows where they came from, but they've been targeting martial artists who've gained too much attention. Some say they're after something—an artifact, a secret technique, maybe even revenge. Others believe they're a cult devoted to some dark power."
Tang Xiu frowned. "And their leader?"
The merchant shook his head. "No one's seen him. They say he's a ghost, someone who moves in the shadows and strikes without warning."
Tang Xiu stepped closer, his golden aura flaring faintly. "If you're lying, I'll know. Do you have anything else to tell me?"
The merchant shook his head frantically. "That's all I know, I swear!"
Tang Xiu studied him for a moment before stepping back. "Go. And if you value your life, keep your mouth shut about this."
The merchant nodded quickly and hurried away, leaving Tang Xiu alone in the alley.
Returning to the teahouse, Tang Xiu relayed the information to Lei Xian and Xu Liang.
"The Shadow Sect," Xu Liang muttered. "I've heard of them before—whispers among the martial arts world. They're like a ghost story, something people use to scare their enemies. But I never thought they were real."
"They're real," Tang Xiu said. "And they've set their sights on us. Whatever their motives, we need to be ready."
Lei Xian looked worried. "If they're after martial artists who gain too much attention, doesn't that mean you're their primary target?"
Tang Xiu smirked. "Let them come. I'll show them that shadows are no match for the light."
Unbeknownst to Tang Xiu and his companions, a pair of eyes watched them from the shadows of the teahouse. The figure remained hidden, their presence masked by a skillful concealment technique.
"So, this is Tang Xiu," the figure murmured to themselves. "The one who's caused such a stir in the martial arts world. Interesting."
With a faint smile, the figure vanished into the crowd, leaving no trace of their presence.
As the group left Qinghe, Tang Xiu's mind raced with thoughts of the Shadow Sect. He knew that the road ahead would be dangerous, but he also knew that he couldn't afford to back down.
"The Shadow Sect may think they can hunt me," he thought, his resolve strengthening. "But they've made a fatal mistake. They've underestimated me."
With his companions by his side, Tang Xiu pressed forward, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead