Chapter 22: Gathering Shadows

The night was thick with tension as Lin Mo and Li Wan'er finalized their plans. The Li residence, once a symbol of stability and power, now felt like a labyrinth of danger and deceit. Every shadow seemed to hide an enemy, and every whisper carried the weight of betrayal. Yet, amidst the growing darkness, a flicker of hope remained—a hope that their combined efforts could turn the tide against the encroaching evil.

Lin Mo left the residence under the cover of darkness, his figure blending seamlessly into the night. His destination was a small, secluded inn on the outskirts of the city, where he hoped to find an old friend—a martial artist named Feng Wu, known for his skill and unwavering sense of justice. Feng Wu had once owed Lin Mo a favor, and now was the time to call it in.

The journey was fraught with risk. The streets were eerily quiet, save for the occasional patrol of guards loyal to Madame Li. Lin Mo moved like a ghost, avoiding the main roads and sticking to the narrow alleys. His mind raced with thoughts of what lay ahead. If Feng Wu agreed to help, their chances of success would increase significantly. But if not...

He shook his head, dispelling the doubt. There was no room for hesitation now.

Meanwhile, back at the Li residence, Li Wan'er was busy rallying support. She had discreetly gathered a small group of trusted servants in a secluded storeroom. The air was thick with tension as she addressed them.

"Thank you all for coming," she began, her voice steady despite the gravity of the situation. "I know many of you have served the Li family for years, and your loyalty has never wavered. But now, our family is in grave danger. Madame Li has aligned herself with a dark force—the Netherworld Sect. Their plans threaten not only our household but the entire city."

The servants exchanged uneasy glances, their faces pale but resolute. One of them, an elderly man with a weathered face, stepped forward. "Miss Wan'er, we've all noticed the strange happenings in the residence. If what you say is true, we cannot stand by and do nothing. Tell us what you need."

Li Wan'er nodded, gratitude shining in her eyes. "We need to gather evidence of Madame Li's dealings with the Netherworld Sect and expose her to the rest of the family. But we must act carefully. If she discovers our plans, she will stop at nothing to silence us."

The servants murmured in agreement, their expressions hardening with determination. "We'll do whatever it takes," another servant said firmly. "The Li family must not fall into darkness."

With their support secured, Li Wan'er began outlining the next steps. Some would keep watch over Madame Li's movements, while others would search for hidden documents or clues that could strengthen their case. It was a risky plan, but it was their only chance.

As dawn approached, Lin Mo arrived at the inn. The place was modest, its wooden sign creaking in the wind. He pushed open the door and was greeted by the warm glow of lanterns and the faint smell of incense. The innkeeper, a stout man with a bushy beard, glanced up from behind the counter.

"Looking for someone?" he asked gruffly.

"Feng Wu," Lin Mo replied. "Is he here?"

The innkeeper studied him for a moment before nodding toward a corner table. There, sitting alone with a cup of tea, was a man in his early thirties. His sharp eyes and calm demeanor exuded an air of quiet strength. This was Feng Wu.

Lin Mo approached the table and sat down without waiting for an invitation. Feng Wu looked up, his expression unreadable. "Lin Mo," he said simply. "It's been a while."

"Too long," Lin Mo replied. "I need your help."

Feng Wu raised an eyebrow but said nothing, waiting for Lin Mo to continue.

Lin Mo quickly explained the situation—the Li residence, Madame Li's alliance with the Netherworld Sect, and their plan to open a portal to the underworld. Feng Wu listened in silence, his face betraying no emotion. When Lin Mo finished, Feng Wu leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping lightly on the table.

"This is no small matter," he said at last. "The Netherworld Sect is dangerous, and their leader is not to be underestimated. Why should I involve myself in this?"

Lin Mo met his gaze squarely. "Because if they succeed, countless innocent lives will be lost. And because I once saved your life. I wouldn't ask this of you if there were any other way."

Feng Wu's expression softened slightly. He sighed and nodded. "Very well. I owe you a debt, and I always repay my debts. But know this—I'm not doing it just for you. If what you say is true, this threat must be stopped."

Relief washed over Lin Mo. "Thank you. We don't have much time. The portal is set to open in three days."

Feng Wu stood, his movements fluid and precise. "Then we must act quickly. I'll gather a few trusted allies and meet you at the Li residence tomorrow night. Be ready."

Back at the Li residence, Li Wan'er was making her own preparations. She had managed to retrieve a set of old family records from the library, hoping to find evidence of Madame Li's misdeeds. As she pored over the documents, a sense of unease settled over her. The deeper she delved, the more she realized how far Madame Li had strayed from the family's principles.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock at the door. She tensed, her hand instinctively reaching for a small dagger hidden in her sleeve. "Who is it?" she called out.

"It's me, Butler Li," came the familiar voice.

Li Wan'er relaxed slightly and opened the door. Butler Li stepped inside, his expression grave. "Miss Wan'er, I've just received word that Madame Li is planning to hold a secret meeting tomorrow night. It seems she is preparing to finalize her plans with the Netherworld Sect."

Li Wan'er's heart raced. "Do you know where the meeting will take place?"

Butler Li nodded. "In the underground chamber beneath the eastern wing. It's heavily guarded, but if we act quickly, we might be able to intercept them."

Li Wan'er clenched her fists, her mind racing. "We'll need to coordinate with Lin Mo. He's gathering allies outside the residence. If we can strike during the meeting, we might be able to stop them once and for all."

Butler Li nodded in agreement. "I'll ensure that the servants are ready to assist. But we must be cautious. Madame Li is cunning, and she will not hesitate to eliminate anyone who stands in her way."

As the two of them finalized their plans, the weight of the impending confrontation hung heavy in the air. The Li residence, once a place of warmth and family, had become a battlefield. But amidst the gathering shadows, a spark of defiance burned brightly—a determination to reclaim what had been lost and to protect those who could not protect themselves.

The stage was set. The final act was about to begin.