Chapter 20: The Gathering Storm

The night was deep, and Lin Mo stood alone amidst the bamboo grove in the rear courtyard of the Li residence, clutching tightly the "Tianji Secret Record." Moonlight filtered through the bamboo leaves, casting mottled shadows that played upon his contemplative face. Since the last direct confrontation with Madame Li, he had realized that relying solely on his and Wan'er's strength was insufficient to combat the dark forces behind Madame Li. He needed more allies, but within the Li household, who else could be trusted?

Just then, faint footsteps echoed from the depths of the bamboo grove. Lin Mo's alertness spiked, his hand instinctively moving to the talismans at his waist.

"Who's there?" he asked in a low voice, tinged with wariness.

"It's me," a deep voice responded. From the shadows emerged a tall man dressed in a gray robe, his expression stern, with sharp, piercing eyes.

Squinting, Lin Mo recognized the man—Li Zhong, the butler of the Li residence. A long-time servant of the household, he was usually taciturn, yet always gave off an air of inscrutability.

"Butler Li?" Lin Mo frowned slightly. "What brings you here at this hour?"

Li Zhong did not answer directly but stepped closer, speaking in a hushed tone, "Young Master Lin, I know you're investigating Madame Li's affairs."

Lin Mo's heart tightened, though his face remained calm. "I'm not sure what you're talking about."

Li Zhong gave a cold smile. "No need to play dumb. Madame Li's recent actions have long aroused my suspicions. She manipulates the family using dark forces, even at the cost of innocent lives. I can no longer stand idly by."

Lin Mo stared into Li Zhong's eyes, trying to discern his true intentions. "Why are you telling me this? Aren't you Madame Li's confidant?"

Li Zhong shook his head, a hint of bitterness in his voice. "I am loyal to the Li family, not Madame Li. She has long deviated from the family's ancestral teachings, leading us into an abyss. I must stop her."

After a moment of silence, Lin Mo finally nodded. "Alright, I believe you. But we need more evidence to expose her true nature to the rest of the family."

Li Zhong produced a yellowed scroll from his sleeve and handed it to Lin Mo. "This is evidence I've gathered over the years. Madame Li is colluding with a sinister cult called the 'Netherworld Sect.' They are using the Li residence's feng shui layout to attempt opening a portal to the underworld, seeking infinite power."

Lin Mo took the scroll, his heart pounding with shock. He quickly unrolled it, finding detailed records of Madame Li's dealings with the Netherworld Sect, including a map of secret underground passages beneath the Li residence.

"This evidence is enough to ruin Madame Li," Li Zhong said quietly. "But we must proceed with caution. Her influence is far greater than we imagine, and she has many skilled followers from the Netherworld Sect by her side."

Lin Mo nodded, a glint of determination in his eyes. "Thank you for your help. We will act swiftly to thwart her schemes."

At that moment, hurried footsteps approached from a distance. Lin Mo and Li Zhong quickly hid in the shadows, watching as several black-clad figures passed by, holding gleaming weapons.

"Members of the Netherworld Sect," Li Zhong whispered. "They've been frequenting the Li residence lately, seemingly preparing for a major move."

Lin Mo tightened his grip on the scroll, a sense of urgency rising within him. "We must act quickly, or it will be too late."

Li Zhong nodded. "I will continue to assist you from the shadows. But remember, Madame Li is already watching you. Be extremely careful."

Lin Mo nodded solemnly. "I understand. Thank you, Butler Li."

Without another word, Li Zhong turned and disappeared into the shadows of the bamboo grove. Lin Mo stood still, his mind racing. He hadn't expected to find such an ally within the Li household. Yet, even so, the path ahead remained fraught with peril.

Taking a deep breath, he carefully stowed the scroll and headed towards Li Wan'er's room. He needed to discuss their next steps with her as soon as possible.