The dim glow of lanterns flickered in the Shadow Sect's underground hall. Hooded figures gathered around a massive stone table, their faces hidden in darkness. At the head of the table sat a man with a sharp, angular face and eyes as cold as ice. His presence alone silenced the room, the weight of his aura pressing down on everyone present.
"Our men have failed," a low voice spoke from the shadows. "Tang Xiu escaped."
The leader's eyes narrowed. His voice was quiet, but it carried the threat of thunder. "Escaped? I was told he was cornered. How could a single man slip through the hands of my elite hunters?"
"He's not an ordinary man," another voice chimed in. "This is the same Tang Xiu who defied us in the past. If he's truly back, we must act swiftly. He's already disrupted our plans."
The leader tapped his fingers on the table, each movement sending a ripple of unease through the room. "Disrupted, but not defeated. He may have his tricks, but we have power and numbers. This time, he won't have the luxury of escape."
A young man in black robes stepped forward, his face pale but his voice steady. "Master, I've sent word to our allies in the southern regions. They've agreed to lend us their forces in exchange for a share of the spoils."
The leader smirked faintly. "Greedy vultures. Let them think they'll benefit. Once Tang Xiu is dealt with, they'll find themselves unnecessary."
Another figure hesitated before speaking. "There's one more issue, my lord. Tang Xiu isn't alone. He's gathered allies."
The room fell silent. The leader's icy gaze swept across the table. "Allies? Who?"
"Old Hu from Clear Spring is among them," the voice continued. "He was a minor player in the past, but his knowledge of the underground could prove troublesome. He's been helping Tang Xiu secure resources and contacts."
The leader's smirk vanished. His voice was sharp. "Old Hu… I should have crushed that worm years ago. If he's sided with Tang Xiu, then he's sealed his fate. Send assassins to Clear Spring. Leave no one alive."
"Yes, my lord," came the obedient reply.
The leader stood, his cold eyes gleaming in the dim light. "Tang Xiu has made a grave mistake by returning. He thinks he can challenge us again, but this time, he won't live to see his plans succeed. The Shadow Sect will rise, and all who stand against us will fall."
Meanwhile, in the secret chamber beneath the Rusty Blade, Tang Xiu sat cross-legged on the floor, his eyes closed in meditation. The ancient scrolls lay open before him, their faded ink glowing faintly under the flickering torchlight.
Xu Liang and Lei Xian watched in silence, their expressions a mix of awe and confusion. Tang Xiu's aura was calm yet powerful, a stark contrast to the barren world around them.
"I don't get it," Lei Xian whispered. "How is he cultivating in a place like this? There's barely any qi in the air."
Xu Liang shrugged. "Don't ask me. Tang Xiu doesn't follow the same rules as the rest of us. Just let him work his magic."
Hours passed before Tang Xiu finally opened his eyes. His gaze was sharp, his expression calm yet resolute. He picked up the scroll in front of him, his fingers brushing over the ancient text.
"These techniques are incomplete," Tang Xiu said, breaking the silence. "But they're enough to rebuild the foundation I need."
Lei Xian leaned forward. "Boss, what do you mean by 'rebuild'? You're already stronger than most martial artists we've seen!"
Tang Xiu shook his head. "Strength isn't absolute, Lei Xian. What I have now is a shadow of my former self. To stand against the Shadow Sect, I need more than brute force—I need mastery. This world's scarcity of qi is a challenge, but not an obstacle. With the right foundation, even the heavens won't be able to stop me."
Xu Liang crossed his arms, his tone skeptical. "And how long is that going to take? The Shadow Sect won't wait for you to finish meditating."
Tang Xiu smiled faintly. "It won't take as long as you think. The methods I'm developing are designed for this barren environment. Soon, I'll create techniques that surpass anything this world has ever seen."
Xu Liang whistled, leaning back. "Well, that's reassuring. I guess I'll just sit tight and watch you work miracles."
At that moment, Old Hu entered the chamber, his expression grim. "Tang Xiu, we've got trouble. Word's out that the Shadow Sect knows you're alive. They've sent assassins to Clear Spring."
Tang Xiu's eyes narrowed. "How long do we have?"
"Not long," Old Hu replied. "Their movements are swift, and they'll target anyone who's helped you. They'll try to cut off your allies before you can build a network."
Tang Xiu stood, his calm demeanor masking the storm brewing within him. "Then we'll deal with them before they can deal with us. Old Hu, gather your people and fortify the tavern. Xu Liang, Lei Xian—prepare for battle."
Lei Xian grinned, cracking his knuckles. "Finally, some action. I've been itching for a good fight."
Xu Liang, however, frowned. "Boss, are you sure about this? The Shadow Sect doesn't send amateurs. If we're not careful—"
Tang Xiu cut him off with a sharp look. "Caution is necessary, but fear is not. The Shadow Sect relies on intimidation. We'll show them that their terror ends here."
Night fell over Clear Spring, casting long shadows over the town. The once-bustling streets were eerily quiet as the first wave of assassins arrived, their movements silent and precise. They approached the Rusty Blade, their dark cloaks blending into the night.
Inside the tavern, Tang Xiu sat calmly at a table, sipping tea. Xu Liang and Lei Xian stood nearby, weapons in hand, while Old Hu monitored the entrances.
"They're here," Old Hu whispered, his grip tightening on a hidden blade.
Tang Xiu set his cup down, his eyes gleaming with cold resolve. "Let them come. Tonight, the hunters become the hunted."
As if on cue, the doors burst open, and the assassins rushed in, their blades gleaming under the dim light.
Tang Xiu rose to his feet, his presence overwhelming. "You dare step into my domain?"
The lead assassin sneered. "Tang Xiu, your time is up. The Shadow Sect has decreed your death!"
Tang Xiu's lips curled into a faint smile. "Decreed, you say? Then let's see if your decree can stand against true power."
With a swift motion, Tang Xiu unleashed a wave of energy, the air crackling with intensity. The assassins hesitated, their confidence wavering as the force of his aura pressed down on them.
Xu Liang and Lei Xian sprang into action, engaging the assassins with swift and coordinated attacks. Old Hu joined the fray, his movements surprisingly agile for a man of his age.
Tang Xiu stood in the center of the chaos, his gaze fixed on the lead assassin. "Tell your masters this: Tang Xiu has returned, and I am not so easily defeated."
The assassin lunged at him, but Tang Xiu moved faster, his palm striking with precision. The man coughed blood, his body crumpling to the ground.
The remaining assassins faltered, their resolve shaken. Tang Xiu's voice echoed through the room, cold and commanding. "Leave now, or share his fate."
Without hesitation, the surviving assassins retreated, their fear palpable.
As silence returned to the tavern, Xu Liang wiped the sweat from his brow. "Well, that was fun. What now, Boss?"
Tang Xiu's expression was unreadable. "This was just the beginning. The Shadow Sect won't stop, and neither will we. Prepare yourselves—the real battle is yet to come."