Planting the Spy

Jin Mo leaned back in his chair, fingers tapping rhythmically against the armrest as he contemplated the next steps. The weight of their plan rested heavily on his mind.

Nyx's voice echoed within his consciousness, cutting through his thoughts. "Now that we have Darkie, how should we plant him in?" Her tone was curious yet decisive, as always.

Jin Mo rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Let's plant him in Madam Shein Mo's shadow."

Nyx hummed in agreement. "She might provide us with important information. She's closely connected to many influential figures within the clan."

Jin Mo nodded. "Yes, but we need to be careful. If she's involved in anything shady, she'll be on guard."

Nyx chuckled. "True, but that's exactly why we need to do this. When should we make the move?"

Jin Mo exhaled slowly. "I'll need to meet her in person. The problem is, if I suddenly show up alive and well, it might raise too many suspicions."

"Then use an excuse," Nyx suggested. "Request a meeting with Ronan Mo, her son. She won't have time to react properly, and that will give us the perfect opening."

A sly smile formed on Jin Mo's lips. "That could work." His gaze shifted toward the shadow demon crouched quietly in the corner of the dimly lit room. "Darkie, blend into my shadow."

Without a word, Darkie's amorphous form shifted, dissolving into an inky mass that slithered seamlessly into Jin Mo's shadow. It was as if he had never existed.

Jin Mo marveled at the seamless integration. "Incredible. I can't even sense him."

Nyx's tone carried a hint of pride. "Darkie might be a lowest-ranked demon, but in the right hands, he's a powerful tool."

Jin Mo smirked. "Let's see how well he performs."

Jin Mo made his way to Madam Shein Mo's quarters, the elegant hallways lined with golden lanterns casting a warm glow against the polished floors. As he approached the entrance, two guards immediately stepped forward, their expressions stern.

"Halt." One of them raised a hand. "Who are you?"

Jin Mo straightened his posture and offered an innocent smile. "I am Jin Mo, the youngest son of the patriarch of the Mo clan."

The second guard's eyes narrowed slightly. "Why are you here?"

Jin Mo clasped his hands behind his back, tilting his head slightly. "I want to meet my elder brother, Ronan." He added a subtle pout for effect, his wide eyes gleaming with false innocence.

The first guard's expression softened slightly. "Why do you need to see him?"

Jin Mo's lips curled into an almost childlike smile. "I just wanted to play with my brother."

The guards exchanged a glance, their hardened gazes melting into amusement.

"Aww, how sweet," one of them murmured. "Young Master, you may enter."

Suppressing a chuckle, Jin Mo strode inside, mentally mocking the guards' gullibility.

The halls of Madam Shein Mo's residence were lavishly adorned, a testament to her status within the clan. Jin Mo walked with ease, scanning the surroundings until he spotted his target—Madam Shein Mo, engrossed in conversation with a group of maids.

A mischievous glint flickered in his eyes as he crept up behind her. Then, with a burst of energy, he jumped into her line of sight.

"Peekaboo!"

Madam Shein Mo flinched violently. The color drained from her face, her entire body going rigid. When she turned, her expression was one of pure, unfiltered horror.

"Uhh... uhh... Jinnnn Mooo…" she stammered, her voice trembling as if she had seen a ghost.

Jin Mo beamed. "Hi, Madam Shein Mo! How are you?"

Her lips quivered. "H-how are you...?" Her voice was barely above a whisper.

Jin Mo blinked innocently. "What?"

Madam Shein Mo quickly masked her fear with a strained smile. "I'm fine, dear... Just surprised to see you."

"You don't look so good, though," Jin Mo remarked, feigning concern.

She forced a chuckle. "It's just fatigue from work. Ha… ha."

Jin Mo watched her closely, noting every flicker of unease in her expression. "By the way, where is Elder Brother Ronan?" he asked sweetly.

Her eyes flickered with wariness. "Why do you ask?"

"I just wanted to play with him."

She hesitated before answering. "Ronan is out with the guards. He will return tomorrow."

Jin Mo nodded. "Okay, Madam. I'll drop by later then. See you!"

As he turned to leave, his shadow elongated ever so slightly. Unseen by anyone, Darkie silently slipped from Jin Mo's shadow into Madam Shein Mo's, merging seamlessly into the darkness beneath her feet.

Back in his room, Jin Mo collapsed onto a chair, a triumphant grin on his face.

"Mission complete," he declared, stretching his arms behind his head.

Nyx chuckled, her voice filled with satisfaction. "Did you see her face? Pale, trembling… She definitely wasn't expecting to see you alive."

Jin Mo smirked. "Ha… ha… It was priceless."

Nyx's tone grew serious. "Now, we wait. Darkie should be able to gather some valuable intel. Let's hope this gamble pays off."

Jin Mo's smile turned contemplative. "We're one step closer to the truth."