Hidden Paths in the Sect of the Rising Shadows

Chapter 42: Hidden Paths in the Sect of the Rising Shadows

 After consolidating his advancement to Rank 3, Han Feng returned to the Sect of the Rising Shadows. The moonlight illuminated the stone path as he walked with light steps, each movement carefully calculated to avoid raising suspicion. He had already hidden his aura with the Art of the Celestial Veil, but he still needed to behave like a Rank 2 cultivator. The entrance of the sect was silent at that hour of the night. The patrolling disciples were dispersed, and the sound of the wind carried whispers through the ancient corridors of the temple. Han Feng avoided the main paths and opted for more discreet routes, traversing narrow alleys and hidden passages. The Secret Meeting As he approached his quarters, he heard muffled voices coming from the elders' hall. His curiosity was piqued. Keeping his breath steady, he activated his concealment technique and slipped through the shadows to the side of the building. Carefully, he found an opening between the boards of the wall and observed. Inside, five figures were gathered. Three were elders of the sect, while the other two figures wore dark robes with golden patterns—cultivators from outside the sect. Han Feng recognized one of the visitors: an emissary from the Shadow River Sect, an allied faction known for its cruel practices. "Has the Celestial Diagram been activated yet?" asked one of the outsiders, his voice heavy with authority. The Great Elder of the Sect of the Rising Shadows nodded. "Yes, but the progress has been slow." We need more time. "Time?" The emissary laughed coldly. "The collision of the realms is approaching." If we don't speed up the process, we will be swallowed by chaos. The master desires results." Han Feng felt a shiver. The collision of the realms? What did that mean? And why were they so obsessed with the Celestial Diagram? The Escape from the Shadows Knowing that he couldn't stay there for long, Han Feng retreated with extreme caution. But the moment he took a step back, the floor creaked slightly. The elders interrupted the conversation. "Who is there?!" A strong pulse of Qi swept through the area, searching for any hidden presence. Han Feng, without hesitation, activated his escape technique. His body became a black shadow as he moved quickly through the shadows of the hall. Behind him, one of the elders roared, "Get him!" He can't escape! Qi spears sliced through the air, destroying parts of the structure. Han Feng jumped from one rooftop to another, dodging the attacks. One of the cultivators from the Shadow River jumped after him, unleashing a burst of black flames. Han Feng spun in the air and activated his Dance of Eternal Shadows, creating illusions of his own body to mislead his pursuers. When he landed in a dark alley, he held his breath and merged his presence with the darkness. The elders and the outsiders searched the surroundings, but found nothing. "It disappeared..." But whoever it is, already knows too much. Preparation for the Next Step Han Feng remained hidden until the enemies retreated. He then returned to his quarters, his heart racing. Now he had proof that the cult was involved in something much bigger than it appeared. He would need more information. But for that, he would need more power. His advancement to Rank 3 was just the beginning. If he wanted to survive what was to come, he would have to continue growing in the shadows, without drawing attention. His gaze turned to the night sky. The stars seemed restless, as if a great event were about to happen. Continues...