The journey back to Yunhe City was quiet. Tang Xiu walked ahead, his expression unreadable. Lei Xian and Xu Liang trailed behind, their steps heavy after the night's battle. The eerie silence of the forest only made the tension worse.
Lei Xian finally broke the silence. "Boss, what's so important about that pendant? It's just a piece of metal, right?"
Tang Xiu stopped and turned, his sharp gaze pinning Lei Xian in place. "That 'piece of metal' is tied to forbidden cultivation methods. If it falls into the wrong hands, it could cause chaos."
Xu Liang nodded. "I felt it too, Lei. That thing radiates something unnatural. Even standing near it made my skin crawl."
Tang Xiu's hand tightened around the pendant hidden in his robe. "This isn't the only artifact of its kind. The Shadow Sect has others, and they're planning something far bigger than we imagined."
The group fell silent again, their footsteps crunching against the gravel path. Tang Xiu's mind raced with possibilities. He had seen countless schemes and plots in his past life, but the Shadow Sect's reach in this world was surprising.
As they entered Yunhe City, the bustling streets felt like a stark contrast to the deadly tension of the forest. Merchants shouted, children played, and life carried on as though nothing had happened.
"We need to lay low for now," Tang Xiu said. "The Shadow Sect won't take last night lightly."
Lei Xian grumbled. "I hate hiding, but I trust your judgment, Boss."
Xu Liang smirked. "We're not hiding, Lei. We're just waiting for the right moment to strike."
Tang Xiu led them back to the inn, where they found their rooms undisturbed. After securing the door, Tang Xiu sat down and placed the pendant on the table. The dark energy swirling within seemed to pulse faintly, as if alive.
"This pendant isn't just dangerous," Tang Xiu said, his voice low. "It's a key. And we need to find out what it unlocks."
Lei Xian leaned closer, his curiosity outweighing his fear. "A key? To what?"
"That's what we need to figure out," Tang Xiu replied. "But first, I need to suppress the corrupted qi inside it. Otherwise, it might attract more trouble."
Tang Xiu closed his eyes and placed his hand over the pendant. His breathing slowed, and a faint golden glow emanated from his palm. The energy of the pendant resisted at first, but Tang Xiu's mastery was unparalleled. Slowly, the dark aura dimmed, retreating like a beast cowed by its master.
When he opened his eyes, sweat dotted his brow, but the pendant now lay quiet.
"It's done," he said, leaning back in his chair. "For now, it's safe to carry."
Xu Liang crossed his arms. "What's our next move?"
"We need information," Tang Xiu replied. "The Shadow Sect isn't just operating here. They're part of something bigger. We'll start by digging into their connections in Yunhe City."
Lei Xian's eyes lit up. "I know a guy! He's not exactly trustworthy, but he's got ears everywhere. If anyone knows about the Shadow Sect, it's him."
Tang Xiu raised an eyebrow. "Can he be trusted not to sell us out?"
Lei Xian scratched his head. "Well… maybe? Let's just say he's more scared of me than anyone else."
Tang Xiu sighed but nodded. "Fine. Lead the way."
The three set out again, navigating the winding alleys of Yunhe City. Lei Xian led them to a rundown teahouse tucked away in a forgotten corner of the city.
Inside, the air was thick with the scent of stale tea and the chatter of unsavory characters. At a corner table sat a wiry man with sharp features and darting eyes.
"Lei Xian!" the man exclaimed, his voice a mix of surprise and fear. "What brings you here?"
Lei Xian grinned. "Relax, Old Fang. I'm not here to break your legs. I just need some information."
Old Fang's eyes flicked to Tang Xiu and Xu Liang. "And who are they?"
"Friends," Lei Xian said, his tone firm. "Now, let's talk. What do you know about the Shadow Sect?"
At the mention of the Shadow Sect, Old Fang's face paled. He leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper. "You shouldn't be asking about them. They've got eyes and ears everywhere."
Tang Xiu's gaze hardened. "If you know something, speak. We're not leaving until you do."
Old Fang hesitated, his fear evident. Finally, he sighed. "Fine. I've heard whispers. They're looking for something—artifacts, like that pendant you've got hidden. They've been collecting them for years, but no one knows why."
Tang Xiu nodded. "And where can we find them?"
Old Fang shook his head. "I don't know. They're careful. They don't stay in one place for long."
Lei Xian slammed a fist on the table, making Old Fang jump. "Don't play games, Fang! You know more than you're saying."
Old Fang threw up his hands. "Alright, alright! There's a warehouse on the outskirts of the city. I've seen people going in and out, always at night. If they're hiding something, it's there."
Tang Xiu stood, his expression calm but cold. "Good. You've been helpful. Let's hope you stay that way."
As they left the teahouse, Lei Xian grinned. "See, Boss? I told you he'd talk."
Tang Xiu didn't reply, his mind already focused on the warehouse. The pieces of the puzzle were starting to come together, but the picture they formed was far from complete.
The Shadow Sect was hiding something, and Tang Xiu was determined to uncover the truth. No matter what dangers lay ahead, he would face them head-on