Chapter 38: The Shadow Strikes

The hideout was dark, the faint glow of streetlights outside casting long shadows on the walls. Tang Xiu stood at the center, calm and composed, as the sound of footsteps drew closer.

"They're moving quietly," Xu Liang whispered, peeking through a gap in the boarded-up windows. "A dozen at least. They're circling us."

Lei Xian tightened his fists. "Let them. I'll take them all down."

Tang Xiu shot him a sharp look. "Stay disciplined. Underestimating them will get you killed."

Old Hu nodded. "The boy's right. These aren't street thugs. The Shadow Sect is known for its assassins."

Tang Xiu's voice was low but firm. "Get into position. Follow the plan. No mistakes."

The group dispersed, each taking their designated spot within the hideout. Tang Xiu had set up a series of traps and defensive measures earlier, using everything they had scavenged over the weeks. The first attackers wouldn't even know what hit them.

The air grew colder, heavy with killing intent.

A sharp whistle pierced the silence, followed by a series of muffled thuds. The Shadow Sect had arrived.

The first attacker slipped through the broken door, a blade glinting in the dim light. He moved like a ghost, his steps silent and precise.

But as soon as he crossed the threshold, a hidden tripwire triggered. A heavy beam swung down from above, slamming into his chest and throwing him backward with a sickening crack.

Lei Xian grinned from his hiding spot. "One down."

The rest of the attackers weren't deterred. They stormed in from multiple entrances, weapons flashing as they moved with deadly precision.

Xu Liang struck first, his daggers a blur as he emerged from the shadows. He moved like a predator, slashing at vital points and retreating before the enemy could react.

"Too slow," he muttered, watching another assassin collapse.

Old Hu held his ground near the rear, his strength evident as he blocked and countered every strike. His iron staff whistled through the air, breaking bones with each swing.

"Didn't expect old age to pack a punch, did you?" he growled, shoving an opponent into a trap.

Lei Xian, on the other hand, was pure chaos. He barreled into the fray, fists swinging like hammers. Each punch sent shockwaves through the air, knocking enemies off their feet.

"Come on!" he roared. "Is this all you've got?"

Tang Xiu remained at the center, observing the battle with cold precision. He hadn't moved yet, waiting for the right moment.

Then, he felt it—a surge of dark energy approaching from the rear.

He turned just in time to see a figure clad in black robes emerge from the shadows. This one was different, his aura sharp and oppressive.

"A leader," Tang Xiu muttered.

The man sneered. "So, you're the one who dared to challenge the Shadow Sect. Brave, but foolish."

Tang Xiu smirked. "Let's see how foolish I am."

The man lunged, his sword glowing with a sinister red light. Tang Xiu sidestepped with ease, his movements fluid and precise.

Their clash was fast and brutal, blades and fists meeting with explosive force. The man was skilled, but Tang Xiu's experience far surpassed his.

"Your technique is flawed," Tang Xiu said, deflecting another strike. "Too much power, not enough control."

The man growled, pushing harder, but it was no use. Tang Xiu's strikes were relentless, each one calculated to exploit his opponent's weaknesses.

Within moments, the leader was on his knees, his sword shattered and his breath labored.

"How…?" he gasped.

Tang Xiu looked down at him, his expression cold. "You underestimated me."

With a swift motion, Tang Xiu struck the man's pressure points, rendering him unconscious.

The battle was over within minutes. The remaining attackers fled, dragging their wounded with them.

Lei Xian wiped the sweat from his brow. "That was intense. How did we manage to win?"

Xu Liang shrugged, sheathing his daggers. "Good planning and a bit of luck."

Tang Xiu stepped forward, his gaze sharp. "Luck had nothing to do with it. We were prepared. But this is only the beginning."

Old Hu leaned on his staff, eyeing the unconscious leader. "What do we do with him?"

Tang Xiu's eyes darkened. "We'll make him talk. The Shadow Sect isn't finished yet. If we don't move fast, they'll come back stronger."

The group nodded, their exhaustion overshadowed by a newfound determination.

Later that night, as the others rested, Tang Xiu sat alone, deep in thought.

The battle had been a test—not just of their strength but of their unity. They had won this time, but the road ahead was long and dangerous.

Tang Xiu clenched his fists. "If the Shadow Sect wants war, I'll give it to them. No one will stand in my way."

The night stretched on, heavy with the promise of battles yet to come.