Chapter 24: A Dangerous Alliance

The three returned to their inn just before dawn. The dim light of the rising sun painted the sky with streaks of red and gold, but none of them had the energy to appreciate the view. Inside the inn, they bolted the door and sat in silence for a moment, catching their breath.

Lei Xian broke the quiet first. "That masked guy… he wasn't just some thug. He had real power."

Xu Liang nodded. "And he seemed more afraid of the pendant than anything else. Whatever the Shadow Sect is planning, that pendant is the key."

Tang Xiu rubbed his temples, his mind racing. "The Shadow Sect isn't just after these artifacts for personal gain. They're collecting them to accomplish something massive—something dangerous."

Lei Xian slumped into a chair, his voice dripping with frustration. "So what now, Boss? We don't know where their main base is, and if that guy's retreat was any sign, they'll be more careful from now on."

Tang Xiu's expression darkened. "We can't afford to wait. They'll regroup and come for us. If we don't act first, we'll lose whatever advantage we have."

Xu Liang glanced at Tang Xiu. "What are you suggesting?"

"We need allies," Tang Xiu said simply. "We can't take the Shadow Sect down on our own. But finding someone willing to help will be tricky. Most people would rather avoid getting involved."

Lei Xian scratched his head. "Allies? Like who? The martial arts clans? They're just as likely to turn on us if they smell profit."

Tang Xiu smirked faintly. "Not all of them. There are smaller factions and rogue cultivators who might have a bone to pick with the Shadow Sect. We'll start there."

Xu Liang frowned. "How do we know they won't betray us for the pendant?"

Tang Xiu's eyes glinted coldly. "If they try, I'll deal with them."

The room fell silent again as the weight of the situation settled over them. After a moment, Tang Xiu stood.

"Rest for now. We'll move tonight."

Night fell swiftly, and the group set out once more. Their destination was a hidden underground tavern on the outskirts of Yunhe City—a place where information was bought and sold, and dangerous people gathered.

The tavern was tucked behind an old shop, accessible only through a narrow staircase leading underground. Dim lanterns lit the cramped space, and the air was thick with smoke and the hum of quiet conversations.

Tang Xiu scanned the room, his sharp eyes picking out potential threats. "Lei, keep an eye on the entrance. Xu Liang, stay close."

The two nodded, their postures tense as Tang Xiu led the way to a shadowy corner table. Seated there was a woman in dark robes, her face half-hidden by a veil.

"Tang Xiu," she said, her voice smooth and cold. "I didn't think I'd see you here."

Tang Xiu raised an eyebrow. "It seems I've made an impression."

The woman chuckled softly. "Your little stunt at the warehouse hasn't gone unnoticed. The Shadow Sect is furious."

"That's exactly why I'm here," Tang Xiu said, taking a seat across from her. "I need information, and you're going to give it to me."

She tilted her head, her dark eyes gleaming. "Information isn't free, you know. What's in it for me?"

Tang Xiu leaned forward, his voice low but firm. "If the Shadow Sect succeeds, no one will be safe—not even you. Helping me isn't a choice. It's survival."

The woman studied him for a long moment before sighing. "Fine. But don't think I'm doing this out of kindness. The Shadow Sect has a stronghold in the northern mountains. They've been gathering forces there for weeks. Whatever they're planning, it's happening soon."

Tang Xiu's eyes narrowed. "How soon?"

"Days, maybe less. If you're going to act, you need to move quickly."

Tang Xiu nodded, standing abruptly. "Thank you. I trust you'll stay out of the way."

As he turned to leave, the woman's voice stopped him.

"Be careful, Tang Xiu," she said softly. "The Shadow Sect isn't the only threat you'll face. There are others watching you—waiting for you to slip."

Tang Xiu didn't respond, his expression unreadable as he led Lei Xian and Xu Liang out of the tavern.

Back at the inn, the trio regrouped, their faces grim.

"The northern mountains," Xu Liang said, pacing the room. "If they've been gathering forces there, it'll be heavily guarded."

Tang Xiu crossed his arms, his mind already working on a plan. "We'll need to approach carefully. A direct attack is suicide. But if we can infiltrate their base and disrupt their operation from within…"

Lei Xian grinned. "Finally, some action! When do we start?"

Tang Xiu's gaze was sharp. "Tonight. Every moment we wait gives them more time to prepare."

As the group prepared to set out, Tang Xiu couldn't shake the woman's warning from his mind. He had faced countless enemies in his past life, but this world was different. The Shadow Sect was only the beginning, and he knew the path ahead would be far more dangerous than anything they had faced so far.

Still, Tang Xiu was determined. No matter the cost, he would stop the Shadow Sect and uncover the truth behind their plans.