Shadows in the Noble District

The streets of the noble district were nothing like the rest of the capital. The roads were paved with smooth stone, lined with red lanterns that glowed softly in the night. Tall mansions with golden rooftops stood behind high walls, guarded by soldiers in polished armor.

It was a place of power, wealth, and secrets.

Li Xueyan pulled her hood lower over her face as she walked beside Feng Zhiwei. "Are you sure this will work?" she whispered.

Zhiwei smirked. "Of course. The best place to gather information is where people drink and forget to be careful."

Xueyan sighed. Their destination was the Red Blossom Pavilion, the most famous brothel in the capital. Noblemen, officials, and even generals came here to relax, drink, and gossip. If there were secrets about the Li family, someone inside would know them.

Hei Yue padded beside her, his golden eyes alert. "Be careful. This place is filled with people who smile while hiding knives."

She nodded. "I know."

As they approached the entrance, soft music drifted through the air. Beautiful women in silk dresses laughed and welcomed rich customers, their voices sweet like honey.

Zhiwei straightened his robe, his usual playful smile on his lips. "Follow my lead."

Xueyan frowned. "I don't like this plan."

He chuckled. "You'll like it when we get what we need."

Then, without hesitation, he stepped inside.

---

A Dangerous Place

The inside of the Red Blossom Pavilion was grand. The floors were polished wood, and silk curtains hung from the ceiling. The scent of perfume and wine filled the air, mixing with the sound of laughter and music.

Men in expensive robes sat on cushions, drinking and speaking in hushed voices. Some played dice games, while others whispered about court affairs.

Xueyan stayed close to Zhiwei, feeling out of place. She had spent most of her life training, not learning how to smile and play games like these people.

A woman in a red silk dress approached them, her eyes sharp despite her gentle smile. "Welcome, honored guests. Are you here for wine or company?"

Zhiwei returned her smile. "Both. And perhaps some interesting conversation."

The woman chuckled. "Then you have come to the right place." She glanced at Xueyan. "And what of your companion?"

Xueyan stiffened, but Zhiwei answered smoothly. "She prefers to listen rather than talk."

The woman's smile didn't falter. "Then I shall bring you the best wine. Please, follow me."

As they were led to a private table, Xueyan whispered, "You seem too comfortable here."

Zhiwei shrugged. "A good prince knows many places."

She rolled her eyes. "You're not a real prince."

His smile widened. "That's what makes me dangerous."

---

Whispers of the Li Family

They sat in a corner of the room, drinking lightly while pretending to enjoy the entertainment. Zhiwei leaned back, listening carefully to the conversations around them.

Xueyan focused as well. She could hear noblemen complaining about taxes, generals talking about war, and merchants discussing trade.

Then, finally, she heard what she had been waiting for.

A man in a dark green robe, his face slightly flushed from drinking, spoke in a low voice to his companion. "Did you hear? The Li family has been acting strangely these days."

The other man, an older official, frowned. "What do you mean?"

The drunk man leaned closer. "Li Jiang has been making secret deals with the Black Sun Hall. People say he's trying to gain more power."

Xueyan's grip tightened around her cup. Li Jiang. The man who betrayed her family.

The older official scoffed. "He already controls the Li family. What more does he want?"

The drunk man shook his head. "I don't know. But I heard he's searching for something. Something dangerous."

Zhiwei met Xueyan's eyes. They both knew what this meant. Li Jiang wasn't just holding power—he was planning something bigger.

Hei Yue's ears twitched. "This is useful information, but it is not enough. We need to know what he is looking for."

Xueyan nodded. "We need someone closer to the Li family."

Zhiwei tapped his fingers on the table. "I know just the person."

---

A Meeting with the Shadow

They left the Red Blossom Pavilion without trouble and made their way through the dark alleys of the noble district.

Zhiwei led them to a quiet courtyard, where an old wooden door stood under a lantern's flickering light.

He knocked three times, then paused, then knocked twice more.

A moment later, the door creaked open, revealing a woman in a black robe. Her long hair was tied up, and her eyes were as sharp as a blade.

She looked at Zhiwei and sighed. "I should have known you'd come looking for trouble."

He grinned. "You missed me, didn't you, Ling?"

She ignored him and turned to Xueyan, her gaze unreadable. "Who is she?"

Xueyan met her eyes. "Someone who wants revenge against the Li family."

Ling studied her for a moment before stepping aside. "Come in."

They entered a dimly lit room filled with maps and documents.

Ling sat down and poured herself tea. "What do you want?"

Zhiwei leaned against the wall. "Information on Li Jiang. We know he's working with the Black Sun Hall. We need to know what he's planning."

Ling sipped her tea. "And why should I help you?"

Xueyan spoke before Zhiwei could. "Because I am Li Xueyan. The rightful heir of the Li family."

Ling's eyes widened slightly, but she quickly masked her surprise. "I thought you were dead."

Xueyan's voice was cold. "He tried to kill me. He failed."

Ling set down her cup. "If you're serious about taking him down, then you'll need more than just rumors."

Zhiwei smirked. "That's why we came to you."

Ling sighed. "Li Jiang is looking for an ancient artifact. Something hidden beneath the capital."

Xueyan frowned. "An artifact?"

Ling nodded. "A relic said to grant immense power. If he finds it, no one will be able to stop him."

Xueyan clenched her fists. She could not let that happen.

Zhiwei crossed his arms. "Then we have no choice. We need to find it before he does."

Ling studied them carefully. Then, finally, she nodded. "I hope you're ready for a war."

Xueyan's eyes burned with determination. "I've been ready since the day he betrayed my family."