Threads of Deception
The Sun family estate was alive with activity. Guards patrolled in greater numbers, elders whispered among themselves, and the tension in the air was palpable. The revelation of the controlled Spirit Panther had sent ripples through the household. Yet amidst the unease, Luo remained calm, his focus sharp.
In the early morning hours, Luo stood at the edge of the training yard, practicing his techniques. His movements were precise and calculated, each strike carrying the weight of his determination to grow stronger. The faint glow of his system screen hovered in the corner of his vision, constantly reminding him of his progress.
**Current Attitude Points: 78/2000 (Level 2 System Locked)**
**Body Tempering Level 4 Requirement: 150 Points (Needed: 72)**
"Still so far to go," he muttered, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.
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**A Grim Discovery**
Before breakfast, Sun Qing called for Luo and Meilin. Together, they met in the investigation chamber, where a group of guards stood over a large map of the northern forest.
"We found something during our search," Sun Qing began, pointing to a marked area. "This is where we suspect the Spirit Panther was controlled."
Luo leaned in, his eyes narrowing. The area on the map was densely wooded, bordering the territory of a smaller family allied with the Wu family.
"Let me guess," Luo said, his tone sharp. "That smaller family has been unusually quiet lately?"
Sun Qing nodded. "The Lei family. They've been loyal to the Wu family for years. We believe they've been sheltering rogue cultivators capable of controlling Spirit Beasts."
Meilin frowned. "Why would they risk something so blatant? Even if they're allied with the Wu family, this puts a target on their backs."
"It's desperation," Luo said, his voice low. "The Wu family knows they're losing influence. They're using pawns like the Lei family to avoid direct confrontation with us."
Sun Qing's expression darkened. "It's still a theory. We need proof. That's why I've arranged for an undercover investigation."
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**The Mission**
Later that evening, Luo, Meilin, and a small team of skilled cultivators gathered at the edge of the forest. Each wore plain robes to avoid drawing attention.
"Our goal is to confirm the Lei family's involvement," Sun Qing explained, his voice firm. "We cannot act without evidence. If they're sheltering rogue cultivators, we need to know their strength, numbers, and location."
"And if we're caught?" Meilin asked, twirling one of her daggers.
Sun Qing's gaze hardened. "Then we'll have to fight our way out."
Luo smirked. "Sounds simple enough."
The group moved swiftly through the forest, their steps silent. Luo's senses were heightened, the faint hum of the system in his mind guiding him like an invisible thread.
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**Infiltration**
As they approached the Lei family's compound, Luo's system chimed softly.
**"New Quest: Gather evidence of the Lei family's involvement. Rewards: Attitude Points."**
The compound was heavily guarded, with sentries patrolling the perimeter. Luo's group split into smaller teams, each taking a different approach. Luo and Meilin scaled a low wall, landing silently in the shadow of a large storage building.
Inside, muffled voices carried through the walls. Luo pressed his ear against the wooden surface, catching fragments of conversation.
"...the next shipment of Spirit Beasts will arrive tomorrow."
"Good. The Wu family wants results. We can't afford delays."
Meilin's eyes widened. "They're trafficking Spirit Beasts?"
"Seems like it," Luo replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "And they're working directly under the Wu family's orders."
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**The Unexpected Encounter**
As they moved to leave, the door of the storage building creaked open. A guard stepped out, his eyes narrowing as he spotted them.
"Who are you?" he demanded, reaching for his sword.
Luo reacted instantly, his fist slamming into the guard's jaw before he could draw his weapon. The man crumpled to the ground, unconscious.
"Subtle," Meilin whispered, rolling her eyes.
"Better than letting him call for reinforcements," Luo retorted, dragging the guard's body into the shadows.
The commotion, however, had not gone unnoticed. A faint rustling in the distance signaled approaching guards. Luo and Meilin exchanged a glance before retreating into the forest, their movements swift and calculated.
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