The Wu Family’s Shadow

The Sun family estate was eerily quiet as dawn's light crept across the horizon. Luo, his thoughts heavy with the Lei family leader's ominous warning, sat cross-legged in his courtyard. The faint hum of the system's interface echoed in his mind, a constant reminder of his growing strength—and the daunting road ahead.

**"Quest Updated: Uncover the Wu family's hidden base of operations. Rewards: 25 Attitude Points."**

**Current Attitude Points: 106/2000 (Level 2 System Locked).**

Luo exhaled slowly. His grip on the Sun family's struggles was firm, but the Wu family's ambition loomed like a storm cloud over the entire state. It wasn't just his family at risk—it was the balance of power in Fang Buw itself.

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**A Meeting of Minds**

In the grand hall, Sun Suo convened another strategy meeting, this time with only a select few in attendance: Luo, Sun Qing, and the family's most trusted advisors. A map of the state lay spread across the table, marked with key locations tied to the Wu family.

"The Lei family's involvement is a clear sign that the Wu family is testing us," Sun Suo began, his tone sharp. "They're probing for weaknesses."

Luo studied the map carefully. His eyes landed on the northern border, where the Sun family's influence was weakest. "Their base won't be in an obvious place. They'll need a location where they can operate without drawing attention."

Sun Qing pointed to the eastern mountains. "The Lei family has several hidden routes here. If the Wu family is working with them, this could be where they're stockpiling resources—or training their forces."

Sun Suo nodded. "We need confirmation. Qing, you'll lead a team to investigate the eastern mountains."

"No," Luo interjected firmly. "This is my mission."

The room fell silent. Sun Qing frowned but didn't object immediately. Sun Suo's piercing gaze locked onto Luo, weighing his determination.

"This isn't about glory," Luo continued. "I've already faced the Lei family's operatives. They know me. If I take a smaller team, we can move quietly and gather intel without drawing attention."

After a tense moment, Sun Suo relented. "Fine. But you'll take Meilin and two of our best scouts. No more."

Luo nodded, his expression resolute. "I won't let you down."

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**Into the Mountains**

Two days later, Luo, Meilin, and the scouts—Lin Zhi and Wei Fang—set out for the eastern mountains. The journey was arduous, the terrain growing more treacherous with every step. Dense forests gave way to rocky cliffs, and the air grew thin with altitude.

"Do you think we'll find anything?" Meilin asked, her voice low as they navigated a narrow path.

"We will," Luo replied, his tone steady. "The Wu family wouldn't ally with the Lei family unless they had something to gain. They're hiding something big.

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