Chapter 65: Storming the Yan Estate

The night sky was heavy with dark clouds, a fitting backdrop for Tang Xiu's next move. The information he had squeezed out at the nightclub was only the tip of the iceberg. The Yan Clan's elders were plotting something significant, and he wouldn't rest until he uncovered the truth.

Lei Xian followed close behind as they made their way to the outskirts of the city. The Yan family estate loomed in the distance, a sprawling compound surrounded by high walls and guarded gates.

"Boss," Lei Xian whispered, his voice cautious, "this isn't like dealing with street thugs. The Yan Clan is powerful. If we get caught—"

"We won't," Tang Xiu interrupted, his tone firm. "The Yan Clan thinks their walls and guards can protect them, but to me, they're no different than paper. Stay close and don't draw attention."

Lei Xian sighed, nodding reluctantly. "Fine, but don't blame me if we end up surrounded."

They approached the estate under the cover of darkness. Tang Xiu observed the guards patrolling the perimeter, their movements methodical but predictable.

"Amateurs," he muttered, shaking his head.

With a slight wave of his hand, a faint ripple of energy spread outward. The guards nearest to them froze in place, their eyes fluttering shut as they collapsed silently to the ground.

Lei Xian gaped in disbelief. "You… knocked them out just like that?"

Tang Xiu smirked. "If I wanted to, I could've turned them to ash. But I'm not here for senseless bloodshed. Let's move."

They scaled the wall effortlessly, landing inside the estate's expansive courtyard. Lanterns illuminated the garden paths, casting long shadows across the ground. Tang Xiu's sharp senses picked up faint murmurs coming from the main hall.

"This way," he said, leading Lei Xian toward the source of the voices.

Inside the hall, a heated discussion was taking place. Several elders of the Yan Clan sat around a large table, their expressions grave.

"The treasure must not fall into anyone else's hands," one elder said, slamming his fist on the table. "If Tang Xiu gets involved, it will ruin everything."

Another elder nodded. "He's already a threat. Even without spiritual energy, his presence disrupts our plans. We need to act quickly."

Tang Xiu's eyes narrowed as he listened from the shadows. A treasure? So, they're after something more than just eliminating me.

Lei Xian leaned closer, his curiosity piqued. "Boss, what treasure are they talking about?"

Tang Xiu didn't answer immediately. His mind was racing, piecing together the fragments of information he had gathered. The Yan Clan's obsession with this treasure suggested it wasn't an ordinary artifact.

"We'll find out soon enough," he whispered. "For now, stay quiet."

The conversation inside grew more intense.

"The location is confirmed," one elder said. "But it's heavily guarded. If we make a move now, we risk exposing ourselves."

"We have no choice," another elder replied. "If Tang Xiu learns of this, he'll take it for himself. We must strike first."

Tang Xiu's smirk widened. Too late. I'm already ahead of you.

Without warning, he stepped out of the shadows and into the hall, his presence silencing the elders instantly.

"Looking for me?" he asked, his voice calm but laced with menace.

The elders shot to their feet, their expressions a mix of shock and fear.

"How did you get in here?" one of them demanded.

Tang Xiu ignored the question, his gaze sharp as a blade. "I hear you're after a treasure. Care to enlighten me?"

"You dare trespass on Yan Clan grounds?" another elder growled, though his voice wavered.

Tang Xiu chuckled, the sound sending shivers down their spines. "Spare me the theatrics. I don't have time for empty threats. Tell me what I want to know, and I might let you live."

The room fell silent, the elders exchanging nervous glances.

"Don't make this harder than it needs to be," Tang Xiu warned. "I already know more than you think."

One elder, unable to contain his fear, broke under the pressure. "The treasure is an ancient artifact!" he blurted out. "It's said to contain immense power, enough to change the balance of the world!"

"Silence!" another elder hissed, glaring at him.

Tang Xiu's eyes gleamed with interest. "And where is this artifact?"

The hesitant elder hesitated, but before he could speak, another elder lunged forward, activating a hidden mechanism under the table. A trapdoor opened in the floor beneath Tang Xiu and Lei Xian.

Lei Xian yelped as they fell, landing in a dark, underground chamber.

"Boss!" he cried, scrambling to his feet. "What just happened?"

Tang Xiu dusted himself off, his expression calm. "They're trying to get rid of us. But it won't work."

The sound of footsteps echoed above them as the elders barked orders to their guards.

"Seal the chamber!" one of them shouted. "Don't let them escape!"

Tang Xiu glanced around, his eyes adjusting to the dim light. The chamber was lined with ancient symbols and glowing inscriptions, a stark contrast to the modern world above.

"Interesting," he murmured, his hand brushing against one of the glowing runes. "It seems the Yan Clan has been keeping secrets."

Lei Xian looked around nervously. "Boss, how are we getting out of here?"

Tang Xiu's lips curled into a confident smile. "We're not trapped. They are."

As the sound of approaching guards grew louder, Tang Xiu's aura surged. The faint glow of the runes intensified, responding to his presence.

"Let's show them what happens when they underestimate me," he said, his voice cold and commanding.

Lei Xian swallowed hard but nodded, trusting Tang Xiu completely.

The chamber began to hum with energy, and Tang Xiu prepared to turn the Yan Clan's own secrets against them.