The Hidden Truth

The sun had set, and the streets of the western district were quiet. Lanterns hung from wooden posts, casting a soft glow on the stone paths. Li Xueyan and her group moved like shadows, their footsteps light and careful.

Lord Wei's estate was not far. It was a grand mansion, surrounded by tall walls and guarded by armed men. If Lord Wei was working with rebels, then the Emperor wanted him gone.

Xueyan had no interest in politics, but she needed the Emperor's favor. If eliminating Lord Wei brought her closer to her uncle's downfall, she would do it.

Zhiwei walked beside her, his eyes scanning the area. "This will not be easy," he said.

Jin Hu grinned. "Easy fights are boring."

Lan Xi sighed. "We are not here for fun, Jin Hu. We need to be smart."

Xueyan nodded. "We find out the truth first. If Lord Wei is truly a rebel, we act. If not, we decide what to do next."

The others agreed. Then, moving swiftly, they approached the estate.

---

Scaling the Walls

The walls were high, but not impossible to climb. Xueyan took a deep breath and leaped, her hands gripping the rough stone. She climbed quickly, her movements smooth and practiced.

Behind her, Zhiwei followed with ease. Jin Hu and Lan Xi were not far behind.

Within moments, they were over the wall and inside the estate.

They landed softly on the grass, staying hidden behind a row of trees. Guards patrolled the courtyard, their swords gleaming in the moonlight.

Xueyan whispered, "We split up. Zhiwei and I will check the main hall. Jin Hu, Lan Xi, search the outer buildings."

Jin Hu smirked. "Got it."

Lan Xi nodded. "Be careful."

The group separated, disappearing into the darkness.

---

A Meeting in the Shadows

Xueyan and Zhiwei moved through the shadows, their steps silent. The main hall stood ahead, its doors slightly open.

Soft voices drifted from inside.

Xueyan pressed herself against the wall and listened.

"...The Emperor grows suspicious," a man said.

"Let him," another voice replied. "We are ready."

Xueyan exchanged a glance with Zhiwei. This was important. Slowly, they peeked inside.

Lord Wei sat at a wooden table, dressed in dark robes. Across from him was another man—one Xueyan recognized.

Prime Minister Li Jiang.

Her blood turned cold.

Her uncle leaned forward, his expression calm. "The Emperor is old and weak. Soon, Tianxia will belong to those strong enough to take it."

Lord Wei hesitated. "But the Seven Great Sects—"

"They will not interfere," Li Jiang said. "The Black Sun Hall has already made sure of that."

Xueyan clenched her fists. The Black Sun Hall again. These traitors were everywhere.

Zhiwei's voice was barely a whisper. "We need to leave. Now."

Xueyan knew he was right. If they stayed too long, they would be caught.

But she needed proof.

Taking a deep breath, she pulled a small metal needle from her sleeve and threw it toward a candle on the table.

The flame flickered, casting a brief shadow on the wall.

Li Jiang and Lord Wei noticed nothing. But Xueyan had what she needed—a hidden mark left by the flame's movement.

A technique of the Mystic Moon Sect.

It would allow her to replay their conversation later.

---

A Sudden Attack

As they turned to leave, a voice called out.

"Who's there?"

A guard stood at the entrance, his sword half-drawn. His eyes locked onto Xueyan.

Zhiwei reacted first. With a swift movement, he struck the guard's neck, knocking him out before he could call for help.

But it was too late.

Shouts erupted from the courtyard. More guards came running, their weapons ready.

Jin Hu and Lan Xi appeared from the side. "We've been spotted!" Jin Hu called.

Lan Xi threw her daggers, striking two guards before they could attack. "We need to get out!"

Xueyan's mind raced. If they fought, more would come. They had to escape.

"Follow me!" she ordered.

They ran toward the outer walls, dodging attacks as they moved.

A guard lunged at Xueyan. She twisted, her blade flashing in the moonlight. The guard fell, his weapon clattering to the ground.

Jin Hu laughed. "Nice move!"

Zhiwei, however, was focused. "We need to move faster!"

The gates were too far. They had to climb the walls again.

Xueyan grabbed Lan Xi's hand. "Jump!"

They leaped, using the trees as a step, and landed on top of the wall.

Jin Hu and Zhiwei followed, arrows flying past them.

Then, with one final leap, they disappeared into the night.

---

A Dangerous Truth

Back at their hideout, the group sat in silence. The night's events had changed everything.

Xueyan replayed the memory mark she had created. The room darkened slightly, and then, like a shadow on the wall, the conversation appeared.

They listened again to Li Jiang's words.

When it ended, Jin Hu shook his head. "So, your uncle isn't just after your family. He wants the whole empire."

Lan Xi sighed. "And he's working with the Black Sun Hall. That means trouble."

Zhiwei leaned against the wall. "The Emperor cannot be trusted either. He is only using us to keep his own power."

Xueyan clenched her fists. "I don't care about the Emperor. I only care about revenge."

Zhiwei studied her. "And after revenge?"

She hesitated. She had not thought that far ahead.

Jin Hu grinned. "We'll worry about that later. First, we survive."

Lan Xi smiled slightly. "And plan our next move."

Xueyan nodded. "Tomorrow, we go to the palace. The Emperor needs to know this."

Zhiwei's expression darkened. "And if he already knows?"

Xueyan exhaled. If the Emperor was part of this, then everything would change.

But one thing was clear.

Her uncle had to fall.

And she would be the one to bring him down.