Reincarnation of the Celestial Bastard

Chapter 93: Echoes of Power

The day after their raid on the Cult's hidden base, Yunhai City began to breathe a little easier, the tension that had gripped its streets finally easing. Li Tian, however, was already preparing for the next step. He knew better than to relax, and if there was one thing he'd learned, it was that his enemies always returned stronger.

As he paced his study, his thoughts were interrupted by a sudden, familiar sound in his mind.

[System Notification: Quest Completed – "Unseen Enemy"]

[Reward Received: Phantom Step – A technique that enhances stealth and evasion, temporarily granting invisibility in combat situations.]

[New Quest Available: "Seeds of Rebellion"]

[Objective: Investigate suspicious activities in Yunhai's noble circle. Someone may be planning to betray the Li family.]

[Reward: Shadow Blade – A technique allowing the user to infuse attacks with dark energy, increasing the lethality of each strike.]

Li Tian's eyes narrowed. The Cult wasn't his only enemy, and it seemed he'd have to be vigilant even within Yunhai's elite circles.

In the evening, Li Tian invited Liu Mei and Zhou Ming to the main Li family hall, where he briefed them on the new threat. Liu Mei listened intently, her usual playfulness replaced by a focused expression.

"So, we've just finished with the Cult, and now we might have traitors within the city's nobles," she murmured, shaking her head. "We can't catch a break, can we?"

"Perhaps," Zhou Ming added, his face hardened with resolve, "but the timing seems too coincidental. If there's a plot within Yunhai's noble ranks, it could mean the Cult is trying to ally with our own people."

Li Tian nodded. "That's exactly what I'm worried about. We'll need to keep an eye on key figures around the city without raising suspicion. This time, it's not just about brute force."

He turned to Liu Mei. "I'll need you to gather information on the movements of any nobles close to our family. Zhou, I want you to watch over the estates at night."

They both agreed, and as they departed, Li Tian's mind remained on the new technique he'd received. Shadow Blade. It was a dangerous move, a rare skill that, if mastered, could turn him into a force of darkness on the battlefield.

With determination, he made his way to the secluded courtyard of his residence. He had no intention of letting such a skill go unmastered.

Li Tian took a deep breath, focusing his energy as he practiced drawing out the dark energy that was the essence of Shadow Blade. The night air around him seemed to shiver as his aura grew denser, shadows gathering at his fingertips until a faint blade of dark energy took form.

He swung his hand, slicing the air, and the blade shimmered before fading into wisps of darkness. The first few attempts were clumsy, but with each swing, the shadow energy grew more stable, sharper. He could feel its power, coiled and ready to strike, as lethal as any weapon in his arsenal.

Suddenly, a rustling sound broke his concentration. He whipped around to find Li Xue watching him from the edge of the courtyard, her eyes wide with a mix of admiration and concern.

"Li Tian," she said softly, stepping forward, "you're pushing yourself too hard again."

Li Tian exhaled, letting the shadows dissipate as he turned to face her. "I don't have the luxury of slowing down, Xue. We're up against forces that don't rest."

She placed a hand on his arm, her touch gentle but firm. "You're not alone. Remember that."

He looked at her for a moment, her determined gaze and gentle warmth stirring something deep within him. Despite everything, her presence was like a quiet strength he could rely on, a reminder of the bonds he'd forged in this world.

"Thank you, Li Xue," he said, his tone softening. "I'll remember that."

They stood in comfortable silence for a moment before he reluctantly released her hand. There was a strength to her, a quiet resilience that he admired, but now wasn't the time for distractions. He had a mission to complete, and that demanded his full attention.

The next morning, Liu Mei arrived with her findings. "It's as we suspected," she began, her expression serious. "There are rumors of a group plotting against the Li family, though it's all very discreet. They're hiding their tracks well."

She slid a list across the table, names of noble families marked with brief notes of their potential involvement. Li Tian recognized several of the names—families that had maintained a cordial relationship with the Li family but might now be courting the Cult's favor.

"There's a masquerade being held tomorrow night by the Fang family," Liu Mei added. "It might be the perfect opportunity to confront them, or at least gather more intelligence."

Li Tian considered her words, his mind already working on the details. "Very well. We'll attend, and if anything seems amiss, we'll make our move."

That evening, Li Tian prepared for the masquerade, dressed in dark robes lined with silver. Liu Mei and Zhou Ming accompanied him, each in matching attire to blend into the crowd without attracting attention.

Upon entering the Fang estate, the atmosphere was buzzing with masked nobles, laughter, and the murmur of conversations. Li Tian's gaze scanned the room, his senses attuned to any unusual activity.

It didn't take long to spot the whispers and subtle glances directed their way. The tension in the room was palpable, as though every noble in attendance was holding their breath.

As they mingled, Liu Mei leaned in, her voice low. "The Fang family has been particularly close with the Cao family lately. They might be working together."

Li Tian nodded, his gaze sharpening. "Then let's see what they're hiding."

They slipped through the crowded hall, finding their way to the back room where the Fangs' inner circle gathered. Inside, they discovered a group of men and women seated around a table, engaged in a heated discussion.

"...but if we continue with the Li family in power, none of us will see a fraction of what we deserve," one of the nobles argued, his tone seething with resentment.

Another nodded. "The Cult is the only option if we want real change in Yunhai."

The scene ignited something fierce in Li Tian's chest. Without hesitation, he stepped forward, his presence filling the room.

"Is that so?" he asked, his voice cold as ice.

The gathered nobles froze, their eyes widening as they took in his form. Several of them reached for weapons, but Li Tian was faster, his Shadow Blade manifesting in his hand, casting an ominous glow across the room.

"Think carefully before you act," he warned, his tone deadly calm. "This blade won't show mercy."

The nobles hesitated, and then the lead conspirator stepped forward, fear mingling with a desperate determination in his eyes. "You... you can't keep Yunhai under your thumb forever, Li Tian. The Cult will rise, and you'll fall just like your forefathers."

"Perhaps," Li Tian replied, his voice laced with chilling finality, "but it won't be by the likes of you."

In one fluid motion, he raised his Shadow Blade, the dark energy pulsing with lethal intent. The nobles cowered, realizing too late the depth of his power.

As Li Tian held his stance, the conspirators backed down, their confidence shattered. They dispersed into the night, their rebellion quelled before it could even begin.

Later, as he exited the Fang estate, Liu Mei caught up with him, her eyes gleaming with admiration. "You handled that perfectly."

Li Tian gave a small smile. "This was only a warning. Next time, they won't get off so easily."