The moon hung low in the night sky as Tang Xiu, Lei Xian, and Xu Liang approached the outskirts of Yunhe City. The streets were quiet, the usual buzz of city life fading as they ventured further from the crowded alleys.
Ahead, the silhouette of the warehouse loomed like a dark beast. It stood isolated, surrounded by overgrown weeds and broken fences. Lanterns flickered near the entrance, casting faint light on the two guards stationed outside.
Tang Xiu crouched behind a large boulder, gesturing for Lei Xian and Xu Liang to follow. "We'll do this quietly," he said in a low voice. "If we alert them, they might destroy whatever evidence is inside."
Lei Xian grinned. "Quiet isn't really my thing, Boss. But I'll try."
Xu Liang rolled his eyes. "Try not to ruin everything before we get in, Lei."
Tang Xiu ignored their banter, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings. "Lei, take the guard on the left. Xu Liang, you're with me. Move when I signal."
The two nodded, their expressions turning serious. Tang Xiu waited for the right moment, his instincts honed from countless battles. The guards were relaxed, leaning lazily against the wall and chatting.
With a flick of his hand, Tang Xiu gave the signal.
Lei Xian moved first, creeping along the shadows with surprising stealth for someone of his size. Before the left guard could react, Lei Xian knocked him out with a swift strike to the neck.
At the same time, Tang Xiu and Xu Liang advanced on the second guard. Tang Xiu struck with precision, his hand landing on a pressure point that left the man unconscious.
The path was clear.
Tang Xiu motioned for them to follow as he pushed open the heavy warehouse door. Inside, the air was damp and heavy with the scent of old wood and rusting metal. Rows of crates and barrels were stacked high, their contents hidden beneath thick covers.
The trio moved cautiously, their footsteps muffled by the dirt-covered floor. Tang Xiu's eyes swept the area, searching for anything out of place.
"There's something here," Tang Xiu muttered. He could feel a faint pulse of energy, weak but distinct. It was the same corrupted qi that had emanated from the pendant.
Xu Liang pointed to a large crate near the back of the warehouse. "There. I feel it too."
Tang Xiu approached the crate, his senses on high alert. He reached out and pried the lid open, revealing a collection of black artifacts, each radiating the same dark aura as the pendant.
"These are forbidden items," Tang Xiu said, his tone grim. "The Shadow Sect is stockpiling them. But why?"
Before they could inspect further, a slow clap echoed through the warehouse.
"Well done," a deep voice said, sending chills down their spines.
Tang Xiu turned sharply to see a tall figure emerging from the shadows. He was dressed in black robes, his face hidden behind a mask marked with the insignia of the Shadow Sect.
"You've been busy," the masked man said, his voice dripping with mockery. "But your little game ends here."
Lei Xian stepped forward, cracking his knuckles. "Great, we don't have to hunt you down after all. Saves us the trouble."
The masked man laughed coldly. "Fools. You think you can stand against the Shadow Sect? You'll die here tonight."
With a wave of his hand, more figures emerged from the darkness, each one armed and radiating a menacing aura.
Tang Xiu's eyes narrowed. "So, this is your plan? Throw your lackeys at us and hope for the best?"
The masked man didn't reply. Instead, he raised his hand, and the attackers charged.
Tang Xiu moved first, his body a blur as he met the closest opponent head-on. Despite his limited cultivation, his combat skills were unmatched. He dodged a blade aimed at his neck, striking the attacker's wrist and disarming them in one smooth motion.
Lei Xian and Xu Liang fought beside him, their movements fierce and coordinated. Lei Xian's strength made him a wrecking ball, while Xu Liang's precision turned him into a deadly force.
Still, the numbers weren't in their favor. The attackers pressed on relentlessly, forcing Tang Xiu and his companions to fight harder.
"You're wasting your time," Tang Xiu said, his voice calm despite the chaos. "I've fought battles far worse than this."
The masked man sneered. "Arrogance will be your downfall."
Tang Xiu smirked. "No, your overconfidence will be yours."
He reached into his robe and pulled out the black pendant. The dark energy within it flared to life, pulsing with a sinister glow. The masked man froze, his composure cracking for the first time.
"How—how are you controlling it?" the man stammered.
Tang Xiu's smirk widened. "You have no idea who you're dealing with."
He channeled the pendant's energy, directing it at the attackers. The corrupted qi lashed out like a whip, knocking them back and forcing the masked man to retreat.
"This isn't over," the man growled, disappearing into the shadows.
As the remaining attackers fled, Tang Xiu lowered the pendant, its energy subsiding. Lei Xian let out a low whistle. "Boss, you've got some tricks up your sleeve."
Xu Liang sheathed his sword, his eyes wary. "That pendant is dangerous, Tang Xiu. We need to figure out what the Shadow Sect is planning and destroy their operation."
Tang Xiu nodded. "Agreed. But first, we need to regroup and prepare. This was only the beginning."
With the warehouse cleared and a new lead in hand, the trio left under the cover of darkness, ready for the battles yet to come.