Chapter 3: The Shadow of Suspicion

The days that followed were a blur of tension and secrecy. Lin Mo spent every spare moment studying the Celestial Codex of Feng Shui, his fingers tracing the intricate diagrams, his mind absorbing the cryptic teachings. He practiced in the dead of night, when the Li household was asleep, and the only sound was the whisper of the wind through the courtyard.

But the shadow at the window haunted him. Had someone seen him that night? The thought gnawed at him, a constant undercurrent of fear beneath his growing confidence. He began to notice subtle changes in the way the servants looked at him—lingering glances, hushed whispers. Even Madam Li seemed more watchful, her sharp eyes following him with a calculating gaze.

One evening, as Lin Mo returned to his room after a long day of menial tasks, he found a note slipped under his door. It was a single sheet of paper, folded neatly, with no name or seal. His heart raced as he unfolded it, his eyes scanning the elegant calligraphy:

"The moon reveals what the sun conceals. Meet me at the Plum Blossom Pavilion at midnight."

Lin Mo's hands trembled as he read the words. Who could have sent this? Was it a trap, or an opportunity? He glanced around the empty hallway, his mind racing. The Plum Blossom Pavilion was a secluded spot in the Li family's garden, far from the main house. If someone wanted to confront him, it would be the perfect place.

But if it was a trap, why warn him? And if it wasn't… what secrets did this mysterious person hold?

That night, Lin Mo waited until the household was silent before slipping out of his room. The moon was full, its light casting long shadows across the garden. The Plum Blossom Pavilion stood at the edge of a small pond, its delicate wooden structure framed by blooming plum trees. The air was thick with the scent of flowers, and the soft chirping of crickets filled the night.

Lin Mo approached cautiously, his senses on high alert. As he stepped into the pavilion, a figure emerged from the shadows—a woman, her face partially hidden by a veil. She wore a simple yet elegant robe, its fabric shimmering faintly in the moonlight. Her presence was calm, almost serene, but there was an undeniable air of power about her.

"You came," she said, her voice low and melodic. "I wasn't sure you would."

"Who are you?" Lin Mo asked, his voice steady despite the pounding of his heart.

The woman smiled faintly, her eyes glinting with amusement. "A friend, perhaps. Or a guide. That depends on you."

Lin Mo frowned. "What do you want from me?"

She stepped closer, her movements graceful, almost otherworldly. "I've been watching you, Lin Mo. You have a gift, though you may not realize it yet. The Celestial Codex chose you for a reason."

His breath caught. "You know about the book?"

"I know many things," she replied cryptically. "But time is short. The Li family is not what it seems, and there are forces at work that even they cannot control. You must be careful."

Lin Mo's mind raced. "What do you mean? What forces?"

The woman hesitated, her gaze flickering toward the main house. "There are those who would use the Celestial Codex for their own gain. They will stop at nothing to possess its power. If they discover what you have…"

She trailed off, her expression darkening. "You must learn quickly, Lin Mo. Master the book's teachings before it's too late. And trust no one—not even those closest to you."

Before he could respond, she turned and disappeared into the shadows, her figure blending seamlessly with the night. Lin Mo stood there, his mind reeling. Who was she? And what had she meant about the Li family?

As he made his way back to his room, the weight of her words settled heavily on his shoulders. The Celestial Codex was more than just a book—it was a key to something far greater, something dangerous. And now, he was caught in the middle of it.

But as he lay in bed that night, staring at the ceiling, a strange sense of determination filled him. He had spent his life being pushed down, humiliated, and ignored. Now, for the first time, he had a chance to rise above it all.

And he would not let it slip away.