Whispers in the Dark

The tension was suffocating as Sun Qing examined the strange markings etched into the fallen panther's fur. His usually composed expression darkened with concern.

"These are control sigils," he muttered, tracing the faint, glowing lines.

"Control sigils?" Meilin repeated, stepping closer, her daggers still drawn. "You're saying this thing was… controlled? Someone sent it after us?"

Sun Qing nodded grimly. "Exactly. These symbols are used to enslave Spirit Beasts, forcing them to obey their master's will. This wasn't a random attack—it was deliberate. Someone wanted us dead."

Luo's fists tightened at his sides. The idea of being targeted didn't intimidate him, but the implications of a hidden enemy working against his family gnawed at his mind. Before he could speak, the system's familiar chime rang in his thoughts.

**"New Quest Unlocked: Discover the mastermind behind the controlled beast. Rewards: Attitude Points."**

The display of his current progress flashed before his eyes:

**Current Points: 75/2000 (Level 2 System Locked)**

**Body Tempering Level 4 Requirement: 150 Points (Needed: 75)**

His jaw clenched. The gap between his current strength and the next breakthrough felt like an unscalable mountain, and the system's limitations frustrated him to no end.

---

**The Uneasy Return**

The group wasted no time in deciding their next move. The forest, once lively and bustling with Spirit Beasts, now seemed eerily silent. Not even the soft rustle of leaves or distant chirps of birds broke the oppressive quiet.

"Stay alert," Sun Qing ordered, his spear gleaming faintly with residual flame energy. "If one beast was controlled, there could be more."

"Great," Meilin muttered, scanning their surroundings with narrowed eyes. "Nothing like a potential ambush to make a walk home even more pleasant."

Luo walked silently at the rear of the group, his mind replaying the fight with the panther. The beast's raw strength had nearly overwhelmed him, and the realization that it had been controlled sent a cold shiver down his spine.

---

**Back at the Sun Family Grounds**

By the time they returned to the Sun family's estate, the sun had dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the grand halls. Elders and guards patrolled the grounds, their faces tense as whispers of unrest spread among the ranks.

The group went straight to the central hall, where Sun Suo awaited them. The patriarch of the Sun family sat on his elevated seat, his sharp gaze sweeping over his children as they entered.

"Report," Sun Suo commanded, his voice carrying authority.

Sun Qing stepped forward, bowing respectfully. "Father, we encountered a controlled Spirit Panther in the northern forest. It was marked with control sigils. Someone deliberately sent it after us."

The hall erupted in murmurs. Several elders exchanged uneasy glances, their voices rising in speculation.

"Control sigils? That kind of sorcery hasn't been seen in decades!"

"Who would dare target our family so brazenly?"

"Could it be the Wu family's doing?"

Sun Suo raised a hand, silencing the commotion. His expression remained impassive, but a flicker of unease passed through his eyes.

"This is troubling news," he said finally, his tone measured. "We cannot act rashly until we uncover the truth. Qing, gather our investigators and find out who is behind this. Leave no stone unturned."

"Yes, Father," Sun Qing replied, his voice resolute.

Luo remained quiet, observing the exchange. His father's calm demeanor masked the tension brewing beneath, but the weight of the situation wasn't lost on him.

---

**A Private Conversation**

Later that night, Luo sat alone in the training yard, staring up at the crescent moon. His thoughts were a whirl of questions.

"Who's targeting us, and why?" he murmured to himself.

The system chimed softly, breaking his train of thought.

**"Hint: Observe the patterns of recent events. Trust your instincts."**

"Patterns?" Luo frowned. The system's cryptic advice was both frustrating and intriguing.

Sun Qing's voice interrupted his thoughts. "Luo, are you okay?"

Luo turned to see his elder brother approaching, his usual confidence replaced by a rare look of concern.

"I'm fine," Luo said. "Just thinking."

Sun Qing nodded, sitting beside him. "You did well today. That panther wasn't an easy opponent, especially for your current level. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."

Luo smirked faintly. "Coming from you, that almost sounds like a compliment."

"It is," Sun Qing admitted. "But you need to be careful. Whoever is targeting us won't stop at one attack. They'll strike again, and they'll come for you. You're a threat now."

Luo's smirk faded, replaced by a determined glint in his eyes. "Let them come. I'll prove I'm more than just a threat—I'm their worst nightmare."

Sun Qing chuckled, standing and patting Luo's shoulder. "Just don't get too cocky. We'll need every ounce of strength you have in the days ahead."

---

**Ending Hook**

As the brothers parted ways, a shadowy figure watched from the edge of the training yard, their presence hidden by the night. A faint, sinister smile played on their lips as they turned and disappeared into the darkness.

In his room, Luo's system chimed once more.

**"New Hint: The Wu family is only part of the web. Look deeper."**

Luo's fists tightened. The hunt for answers was just beginning.