Chapter 10: The Hidden Shadows

The sun rose lazily over Dragon Tale City, its golden light piercing the mist curling around tiled rooftops and bustling streets. Jian Tian yawned loudly, stretching both arms as he stepped out from the inn.

The Dragon Blood Sword at his waist felt heavier today, a constant reminder of his vow.

"Bloodstone and mid-grade dragon metal… no matter how difficult it is, I will gather them!"

He strode with newfound vigor through the city, making his way back to the Mercenary Guild to confirm his hunting mission for the Three-Horned Deer Boar.

Unbeknownst to Jian Tian, in a darkened tea house near the city's western gate, a group of black-robed cultivators gathered. Their hoods were drawn low, covering harsh eyes that glimmered like poisonous snakes.

At the center sat a thin man with pale grey hair, his aura cold and vicious. He lightly tapped the tea table with an iron fan, each strike echoing through the silent room.

"Is the information confirmed?" he asked, his voice thin yet carrying a deadly sharpness.

One of his subordinates bowed low. "Yes, Elder Ghost Fan. The old man named Ren Moxi… we investigated his identity but found nothing. He carries a spatial bag containing at least five thousand high-grade spirit stones from last night's auction, along with a Grade 5 beast core from a Swallowing River Black Python."

The other men inhaled sharply. "Such treasures… if he carries a Grade 5 beast core so casually, he might have even greater treasures hidden."

Ghost Fan's lips curved into a mirthless smile. "Indeed. An unguarded old cultivator and his foolish disciple… ripe prey."

Another subordinate shifted nervously. "But… Elder… what if he is stronger than he appears?"

Ghost Fan's smile widened into something eerie. "That is why we shall test him. Send ten Nascent Soul Realm killers tonight. I want to see how deep his cultivation truly is."

Meanwhile, Jian Tian hummed lightly as he left the guild, clutching his approved mission scroll. He imagined himself returning victorious with the Three-Horned Deer Boar's antlers slung dramatically over his shoulder.

He pictured his master waiting patiently at the inn, arms folded behind his back as he gazed into the distance with an immortal's aura.

"Master, I have returned with Bloodstone and Dragon Metal!"

"Oh? Good work. Now forge the Dragon Blood Sword yourself."

"Haha… yes… wait, forge it myself… again…?"

His smile twitched, and he scratched his head with a sheepish laugh.

"Well, I'll cross that burning bridge when I get there…"

Returning to their shared room, Jian Tian found Ren Moxi meditating calmly on the tatami mat. The dim lantern light cast shadows across his closed eyelids and serene features.

"Master," Jian Tian whispered softly, not wanting to disturb him, but Ren Moxi's eyes opened before he finished.

"Your mission?" his teacher asked flatly.

"Confirmed, Master! I will hunt the Three-Horned Deer Boar tomorrow at dawn." He puffed his chest out proudly. "Once I gather Bloodstone and mid-grade dragon metal, I'll forge the Dragon Blood Sword into a true Grade 5 spiritual weapon with your… um… guidance."

Ren Moxi nodded silently. After a pause, he spoke in his usual calm tone.

"Do not forget your main focus is cultivation. The forging art will merely supplement your path."

"Yes, Master," Jian Tian replied, lowering his head in respect. But inside, his thoughts burned with excitement.

"Bloodstone… Dragon Metal… forge into mighty sword… then, I'll be invincible… I'll cut down demonic sects and rescue peerless beauties…"

He snickered to himself, lost in delusions, until Ren Moxi flicked a spirit pebble at his forehead with pinpoint precision.

"Focus."

As night fell over Dragon Tale City, the streets dimmed under flickering talisman lamps. Merchants packed their stalls and beggars crawled back into alleys. Silence fell like a predator's breath.

On the rooftop opposite the inn, ten shadowy figures appeared, clad in dark robes that fluttered softly in the night breeze. Their eyes glowed faintly under the moonlight – the aura of Nascent Soul Realm cultivators.

One by one, they leapt down, moving silently through windows and across tiles, positioning themselves around the inn. Their leader, a thickset man with a twin-headed spear on his back, motioned with two fingers.

"Remember, do not cause unnecessary commotion. We test his power only. If he is weak, kill him silently and take everything."

They nodded in unison.

Inside, Ren Moxi sat with his eyes closed, calmly sensing the approaching auras. He sighed inwardly.

"Troublesome. A mere insect nest, yet they come to sting a sleeping dragon."

Jian Tian lay on his side on the straw bedroll, drooling lightly with a goofy smile.

"Bloodstone… Dragon Metal… peerless beauties… hngh…"

Ren Moxi's lips twitched ever so slightly.

Outside the window, the assassins moved closer, dark blades unsheathed under the thin moonlight, their eyes locked onto the unmoving silhouette within.

But before their feet touched the window ledge, the air twisted around them. Time seemed to slow as a suffocating pressure descended.

One by one, their bodies froze mid-step. The lead assassin tried to circulate his qi, but his meridians were locked by invisible force. His eyes widened in horror as he saw Ren Moxi, still seated calmly in meditation, his gaze finally lifting to meet theirs.

"Leave."

That single word carried a force like heaven's decree. In an instant, the ten Nascent Soul killers felt their spiritual cores nearly rupture from the crushing intent. Blood dribbled from their lips as they fell to their knees, trembling uncontrollably.

"L… Lord… spare us… we were ordered… by Ghost Fan…"

Ren Moxi flicked his sleeve. A silent wave of force erupted, sending all ten assassins flying off the rooftop into the alleyway below. They landed in a pile of unconscious bodies, ribs cracked and dantian ruptured, their cultivations crippled permanently.

Jian Tian stirred at the noise and sat up, rubbing his eyes. "Master, what happened…?"

"Nothing," Ren Moxi replied simply, standing to look out the window at the approaching dawn. The golden rays washed across his figure like an immortal deity descending to the mortal world.

"Prepare for your hunt. We depart before sunrise."

Jian Tian scrambled to his feet, gathering his sword and mission scroll with shaking hands. He cast a final glance at his master, who remained silently watching the sleeping city.

"Master… just who are you really…?"

But he shook the thought away. "Doesn't matter. As long as he is my master, I will follow him anywhere…"

With that unshakable resolve, Jian Tian stepped forward into the first light of dawn, unaware that greater storms were gathering beyond the horizon.