Chapter 27: Shadows in the Dark

The moon hung high in the sky, casting an eerie glow over the sect. Jiang Cheng stood atop one of the highest peaks, his eyes closed as he focused on his breathing. The battle with Liu Fan earlier had proven something to him—his mastery of martial arts was evolving, but it wasn't enough. The cult's influence was spreading, and if he wanted to stand against them, he needed to sharpen his skills even further.

A gust of wind carried the distant sounds of conversation. Jiang Cheng opened his eyes, his gaze sharpening as he noticed two figures moving through the shadows below. At first glance, they appeared to be ordinary disciples, but something felt off. Their movements were too cautious, their pace too deliberate.

Trusting his instincts, Jiang Cheng leaped from the peak, landing soundlessly on a nearby rooftop. He followed them, maintaining his distance as they weaved through the sect grounds. They stopped near the eastern courtyard, where a third figure awaited them—a man clad in dark robes, his presence exuding an ominous aura.

A Hidden Threat

Jiang Cheng narrowed his eyes. This was no ordinary gathering. He shifted slightly, positioning himself to listen.

"Is everything in place?" the robed figure asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Yes," one of the disciples replied. "The elders remain unaware, and our influence continues to spread."

Jiang Cheng's fingers tightened. He had suspected that the cult's reach extended into the sect, but hearing it confirmed was something else entirely.

"What about the boy?" the robed figure continued.

"The one called Jiang Cheng?" the disciple hesitated. "He's strong… too strong."

The robed figure exhaled slowly. "Then he must be dealt with before he becomes a true obstacle."

Jiang Cheng's heartbeat steadied. He had been marked as a threat. That meant he was on the right path.

Without hesitation, he leaped down, landing directly in front of the three conspirators. The sudden appearance sent them reeling, but the robed man recovered quickly, his eyes narrowing.

"Well, well. It seems fate has brought you here, Jiang Cheng."

Jiang Cheng remained calm. "Fate has nothing to do with it. You made a mistake revealing yourselves so carelessly."

The disciples hesitated, but the robed figure merely chuckled. "Arrogant. Let's see if you can back up those words."

A Clash in the Night

The robed figure moved first, his hand forming a strange seal as dark energy coiled around his fingertips. Jiang Cheng didn't wait—he surged forward, executing Heaven Blitzing Step, closing the distance in an instant.

His fist struck out, colliding with the robed figure's palm. A shockwave rippled through the courtyard, but Jiang Cheng felt a strange force pushing against him—something unnatural.

A sinister smirk played on the man's lips. "You've never faced our power before, have you?"

Jiang Cheng didn't answer. Instead, he adjusted his stance, shifting into Heaven's Ascending Palm. The moment the robed man tried to counter, Jiang Cheng redirected his force, twisting his opponent's momentum against him.

The man's eyes widened as he was sent flying back, crashing into a nearby pillar. The two disciples panicked, trying to flee, but Jiang Cheng was faster. In a blur, he appeared behind one, delivering a precise strike to the neck that sent the disciple crumpling to the ground.

The second disciple dropped to his knees, fear consuming him. "Please… spare me! I was forced into this!"

Jiang Cheng studied him, sensing his sincerity. "Tell me everything, and you may live."

The disciple nodded rapidly. "The cult… they have people everywhere. They plan to move soon… I don't know the full details, but they spoke of a ritual… something that will take place outside the sect."

Jiang Cheng frowned. A ritual? That could mean anything, but one thing was certain—he couldn't ignore this threat.

He turned back to the robed figure, but the man had vanished, leaving only a lingering trace of dark energy. Jiang Cheng exhaled. This was far from over.

As he looked toward the horizon, he knew one thing—this was only the beginning. The battle against the cult had truly begun.

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