Shadows in the Night

The night was alive in Tianjing.

The streets were filled with the warm glow of lanterns, the scent of roasted duck and sweet wine drifting through the air. Music and laughter spilled from tea houses, and groups of nobles strolled through the city, dressed in their finest silks.

But Li Xueyan wasn't here to enjoy the sights.

She adjusted her cloak, making sure her sword was hidden beneath the dark fabric. Beside her, Feng Zhiwei walked casually, as if they weren't about to sneak into one of the most dangerous places in the capital.

Hei Yue padded silently beside them, his golden eyes alert. "Are you sure about this plan?"

Xueyan sighed. "No, but we don't have a better one."

Zhiwei smirked. "Don't worry. It'll be fun."

Xueyan rolled her eyes. "Your idea of fun is dangerous."

Zhiwei only chuckled.

Their destination was The Crimson Lotus Pavilion, the most famous brothel in the capital. It was known for more than just entertainment—powerful nobles, generals, and even royal officials gathered here to drink, gamble, and share secrets.

If they wanted information about the Li family's movements, this was the place to find it.

---

The Crimson Lotus Pavilion

When they arrived, Xueyan was surprised by the size of the building. The Crimson Lotus Pavilion stood three stories tall, with curved golden roofs and red silk banners fluttering in the breeze. The entrance was guarded by two men in dark robes, their swords resting at their sides.

Beautiful women in flowing dresses welcomed guests, leading them inside with soft smiles. The sound of music and laughter filled the air.

Zhiwei turned to Xueyan. "Let me do the talking."

She frowned. "Why?"

He grinned. "Because you look like you'd rather punch someone than flirt."

She glared at him but said nothing. He wasn't wrong.

Zhiwei approached the entrance with an easy confidence, nodding at the guards. "A table for two."

The guards glanced at Xueyan. "Your lady looks tense."

Zhiwei laughed. "She's shy."

Xueyan resisted the urge to stab him.

One of the women approached, smiling warmly. "Right this way, honored guests."

As they stepped inside, Xueyan's eyes scanned the room.

The main hall was grand, with polished wooden floors and silk curtains draped across the walls. Nobles sat at round tables, drinking and laughing while performers danced to the music of stringed instruments.

More importantly, there were Li family members here.

She recognized them from the memories of the original Xueyan—distant cousins and allies who had sided with her uncle.

Her grip tightened on her cloak. They're enjoying themselves while my father's blood stains the earth.

Zhiwei leaned close and whispered, "Patience. We need information, not revenge. Not yet."

She exhaled and nodded. "Fine."

A woman in a golden dress approached their table, pouring wine into their cups. "What brings such a handsome man and his lady to our humble pavilion tonight?"

Zhiwei smiled. "We've heard that the greatest secrets of the empire are whispered in this place."

The woman giggled. "Perhaps. But secrets have a price."

Zhiwei placed a small pouch on the table. It made a soft clinking sound. "Gold speaks louder than words."

The woman's eyes gleamed. She took the pouch and leaned in close. "What do you wish to know?"

---

A Dangerous Truth

Zhiwei kept his voice light. "There are rumors about the Li family. That they've been making… unusual moves lately."

The woman hesitated, glancing around to make sure no one was listening. "You ask dangerous questions."

Xueyan leaned forward. "We don't fear danger."

The woman studied her for a moment, then lowered her voice. "The Li family is gathering strength. They've been meeting with members of the Black Sun Hall."

Xueyan's blood ran cold. The Black Sun Hall was one of the Seven Great Sects—known for using forbidden demonic arts. If the Li family was working with them, it meant trouble.

Zhiwei tapped his fingers on the table. "What are they planning?"

The woman shook her head. "No one knows. But whispers say they are searching for something. Something ancient."

Hei Yue, who had been listening silently, suddenly growled. "This is bad."

Xueyan frowned. "What could they be searching for?"

The woman hesitated. "There is an old legend about a forgotten power sealed beneath the capital. Some say it is a weapon. Others say it is a beast. Whatever it is, the Li family wants it."

Xueyan exchanged a look with Zhiwei. If her uncle found this power, it could make him unstoppable.

They needed to act fast.

But before they could ask more, the woman's eyes widened in fear. "I've said too much. Leave now, before they suspect you."

A shadow loomed over them.

Xueyan turned—and found herself face-to-face with a man dressed in dark armor. His eyes were sharp, his stance firm.

One of the Li family's guards.

"Who are you?" he asked coldly.

---

Escape

Zhiwei smiled easily. "Just travelers enjoying a drink."

The guard's eyes narrowed. "Then why are you whispering?"

Xueyan tensed. If he suspected them, they would have to fight their way out.

Before the situation could escalate, a sudden commotion broke out across the room. A drunken noble had knocked over a table, spilling wine everywhere.

The guard turned his head for just a second.

Zhiwei grabbed Xueyan's hand. "Now!"

They moved quickly, slipping through the crowd. Xueyan kept her hood low, her heart pounding as they pushed through the exit.

The moment they were outside, they didn't stop. They ran through the narrow streets, avoiding main roads, until they reached the safety of their inn.

Only then did they stop to catch their breath.

Hei Yue growled. "That was too close."

Zhiwei grinned. "But we got what we needed."

Xueyan clenched her fists. "The Li family is after something powerful. We need to find out what it is before they do."

Zhiwei nodded. "Then we'd better start looking."

The night was dark, but Xueyan felt the fire in her heart burn brighter than ever.

Her revenge was only beginning.