Chapter 5 :The Echo of Shadowsl

Chapter 5: The Echo of Shadows

The night passed uneventfully after Xiao Chen's return from the outer forest. He meditated until dawn, cycling the Five Elements Harmonization Technique to stabilize his cultivation. Although his breakthrough to the 2nd Stage of Spiritual Refinement had filled him with newfound strength, his encounter with the Silverback Wolf reminded him of how fragile his position still was.

When the first rays of sunlight crept into his room, Xiao Chen opened his eyes. He had spent hours familiarizing himself with the Basic Sword Technique, practicing each move until it felt instinctual. Though rudimentary, it was a vast improvement over the untrained swings he had used to fend off the wolf.

With the Crimson Moon Herb safely stored, Xiao Chen planned his next steps. He knew his cultivation resources were insufficient to sustain rapid growth. To grow stronger, he needed more than the scraps given to herb farm workers.

Stepping out of his room, Xiao Chen noticed an unusual presence around the farm. The Liu Clan Guards were patrolling in larger numbers than usual, their sharp eyes scanning the workers and surroundings.

At the heart of the patrol was Captain Bai Zhan, his imposing figure unmistakable. Clad in black armor adorned with the Liu Clan insignia, Bai Zhan exuded authority. His stern gaze swept over the workers, silencing any who dared to slack off.

Xiao Chen quickly lowered his head and busied himself with weeding a plot of medicinal herbs. He had no intention of drawing Bai Zhan's attention.

Uncle Qin shuffled over, his expression grim. "It seems the Liu Clan is taking things seriously after what happened with Fang Yan," he whispered.

"What are they looking for?" Xiao Chen asked in a low voice, feigning ignorance.

"Trouble," Uncle Qin replied. "After last night's events, they're on high alert.

Demon cultivators are a scourge, and the clan won't tolerate any sign of them near their territory. Bai Zhan's men will ensure no one is hiding secrets."

Xiao Chen nodded, hiding his unease. The Liu Clan Guards were formidable, but their thoroughness could pose a problem. He needed to stay under their radar while continuing his cultivation.

Later that day, Xiao Chen's system chimed again, interrupting his work.

[Danger Detection Activated: Host is being watched.]

Xiao Chen's movements stilled, his heart pounding. He casually glanced around, pretending to stretch his back. A group of guards patrolled nearby, but none seemed to be paying him undue attention.

"Who's watching me?" he muttered under his breath.

The system displayed a faint outline of a figure concealed in the shadows of a nearby tree. The person was clad in a dark cloak, their features hidden, but their intent was unmistakable.

[Warning: Motive—Suspicious. Threat Level: Low.]

Xiao Chen resumed his work, his mind racing. The cloaked figure wasn't a guard. Their attire didn't match the Liu Clan uniforms, and their attempt at stealth suggested they weren't supposed to be there.

"They're either a spy or someone with their own agenda," Xiao Chen thought, his eyes narrowing.

As evening fell, Xiao Chen received another system notification.

[New Quest Issued!]

Objective: Investigate the mysterious figure without being discovered.

Details: Gather intelligence on the cloaked individual. Determine their identity and motives.

Reward: Minor Spirit Gathering Array (Low Profound Grade).

Penalty: None.

The reward made Xiao Chen's breath catch. A Minor Spirit Gathering Array was a valuable artifact that could increase the density of spiritual energy in a small area, significantly boosting cultivation efficiency.

"This is too good to pass up," he muttered.

Once night descended, Xiao Chen carefully left his room. He moved like a shadow, using the patrol patterns he had memorized to avoid detection. The cloaked figure had been near the northern edge of the farm earlier, and Xiao Chen hoped they were still in the area.

Reaching the edge of the farm, Xiao Chen activated the Danger Detection feature. The faint outline of the cloaked figure reappeared, crouched near a cluster of herbs. They seemed to be inspecting the plants, their movements deliberate.

Xiao Chen crept closer, staying downwind to avoid being detected. As he neared, the faint murmur of the figure's voice reached his ears.

"...should fetch a good price. The clan's security is tighter than I expected, but this batch will suffice," the figure muttered.

"A thief?" Xiao Chen guessed, though the figure's tone suggested a more significant motive.

Suddenly, the figure tensed and turned in Xiao Chen's direction.

[Danger Detection: Host has been noticed.]

Cursing inwardly, Xiao Chen ducked behind a tree. He heard the figure's footsteps approaching, their pace cautious.

"Who's there?" the figure demanded, their voice low but firm.

Xiao Chen didn't respond, his mind racing. Confronting them directly wasn't an option; he was no match for a potentially skilled opponent. Instead, he decided to use a diversion.

Grabbing a small rock from the ground, Xiao Chen hurled it toward a bush several meters away. The figure immediately turned toward the sound, their attention diverted.

Seizing the opportunity, Xiao Chen retreated silently, making his way back to his room.

Once safely inside, Xiao Chen exhaled deeply, his heart still pounding. The system chimed again.

[Quest Complete!]

Reward Unlocked: Minor Spirit

Gathering Array (Low Profound Grade).

A small, ornate disk appeared in Xiao Chen's system space. It was etched with intricate runes that shimmered faintly in the moonlight.

"Finally, something that can give me a real edge," Xiao Chen murmured, studying the array.

Activating the array, he placed it in the center of his room. A soft hum filled the air as the spiritual energy around him grew denser, a palpable difference even to someone of his low cultivation level.

Sitting cross-legged, Xiao Chen began cultivating again, the array enhancing his absorption rate. The spiritual energy flowed into his body like a river, filling his dantian with astonishing speed.

As he meditated, Xiao Chen's thoughts lingered on the cloaked figure. Whoever they were, their presence indicated deeper undercurrents within the Liu Clan's territory. Xiao Chen couldn't afford to get involved—yet. For now, his focus remained on growing stronger.

To Be Continued…