Chapter 16: Entering the City of Eternal Night

The group had traveled for days through the eerie Blood Moon Valley, their steps guided only by the dim glow of their energy. The land was filled with dangerous creatures and constant danger, but it was nothing Xian couldn't handle.

Finally, the fog began to thin, and they saw it—a massive city in the distance, surrounded by walls that seemed to absorb the light. The City of Eternal Night stood before them, its dark silhouette cutting into the sky like a jagged knife.

Feng Yu narrowed her eyes. "We're here. Stay alert. This city is like no other."

Lei Shang's eyes scanned the entrance, watching for any movement. "This place is filled with people from all over. Mercenaries, criminals, assassins… we need to be careful."

Jiang Hu grinned. "Sounds like paradise!"

Xian looked ahead, a fire burning in his eyes. "Then let's go. We didn't come here to play games."

They moved toward the entrance. The city's gates were massive, guarded by two towering figures dressed in black armor.

One of the guards stepped forward. "Who goes there?" His voice was cold, his eyes showing no hint of emotion.

Xian Zhen stepped up. His presence alone made the guard hesitate. He gave the man a small smile. "I'm here to meet someone."

The guard didn't flinch. "No one enters the City of Eternal Night without a reason. What's yours?"

Xian's smirk deepened. "I'm here for information. And I'm willing to pay the price."

The guard studied him for a long moment, then nodded. "You'll find what you're looking for. But remember… everything here has a price."

With a heavy creak, the gates slowly opened, revealing the city inside. The moment they passed through, the world seemed to shift. The air was thick, almost suffocating, and the dark streets were alive with whispers and shadows.

The city was a place of contradictions. On one side, the streets were filled with luxury—expensive shops, delicate art, and ornate palaces. On the other side, it was a maze of dark alleys where the most dangerous criminals hid.

Jiang Hu looked around, his grin widening. "This place is incredible!"

Feng Yu's eyes were sharper now. "Don't get distracted. The Night Owl is somewhere in this city. We need to find him before someone else does."

They walked through the city's winding streets, each step taking them deeper into its heart. Eventually, they reached a tavern known as the Moonlit Shadow—a place where the Night Owl was rumored to appear.

The Meeting with the Night Owl

Inside, the atmosphere was thick with smoke. A few shady characters sat at tables, exchanging whispered words and glances. The air was charged with a sense of danger.

Xian scanned the room, his sharp eyes locking onto a man sitting alone in the back, cloaked in shadows. The man's face was obscured, but his eyes glowed faintly—they were the color of the night itself.

That was him.

The Night Owl.

Xian strode forward, his footsteps confident. "I've come to make a deal."

The Night Owl didn't move at first, but then his voice came—low and raspy. "I know why you're here."

Xian stood still, his arms crossed. "You know a lot of things. I need information. About the Shadow Sect."

The Night Owl's eyes flickered with something like amusement. "Information is never free, boy. You should know that by now."

Xian smirked. "I'm prepared to pay the price."

The Night Owl leaned forward, studying him carefully. "Everything has a cost. I don't work for free, and neither should you. What will you offer me?"

Xian's eyes narrowed. "I don't have time to play games. Tell me what you want, and I'll give it to you."

For a moment, the Night Owl said nothing, his gaze cold and calculating. Then, finally, he spoke. "I want your soul."

A chill ran through the air, but Xian didn't flinch. "My soul?"

The Night Owl nodded. "You have dark power, boy. The kind that's rare, even in this city. If you want what you seek, you'll have to give me a piece of it."

Xian's eyes glowed with black and white energy, but his expression remained calm. "You want my soul? You're not getting it. But I'll give you something else."

The Night Owl raised an eyebrow. "And what is that?"

Xian grinned. "I'll give you the Shadow Sect. Every secret, every leader, every hidden location. But only if you give me the information I need."

A long silence followed. The Night Owl studied him carefully, his eyes glowing. Finally, he nodded. "Deal."

A Price to Pay

Xian's energy surged as he unleashed his black and white powers, flooding the room with raw force. The Night Owl's expression didn't change, but his lips curled into a smile. "You have the strength to back up your words. Impressive."

Xian took a deep breath, holding back his power. "Now give me what I came for."

The Night Owl chuckled softly. "You'll get what you seek. But remember, boy…" He leaned in closer. "The cost is not always what you expect."

Xian's smirk didn't fade. "I'm ready for whatever comes next."

The Night Owl waved his hand, and a scroll appeared before Xian—written in ancient symbols.

"The secrets of the Shadow Sect," the Night Owl said softly. "All of it. But remember… some things are better left unknown."

Xian took the scroll without hesitation. "I'll decide what's worth knowing."

With that, the Night Owl vanished into the shadows, leaving Xian and his group to absorb the weight of the information they had just obtained.