That morning, in the tranquil pre-dawn silence yet to be disturbed by the sun's first light, Lucas awoke. As the dim light of dawn began to filter in, he meticulously straightened his traveling clothes, inspecting every seam and fold with careful attention.His gaze then fell on the black dagger, an extraordinary weapon he had acquired on his journey to the village. It was more than just a tool; it was a symbol of the perilous path he had chosen.Ame was the name of the girl who had sought his help. She waited outside, her presence a silent testament to the urgency of her mission. The fate of her sect hinged on the assistance Lucas could provide."The sun will soon rise," Ame whispered, her voice tinged with reluctance but underscored by necessity. "We must depart now to reach the village near the Sun Treading Sect before nightfall."Lucas nodded in agreement, his resolve firm."Is there anything else you need to bring?" Lucas asked, and Ame shook her head in response.Lucas himself w

In the shroud of a dark and mysterious night, Lucas sat silently, concealed among the towering branches of an ancient tree. He remained motionless, his trained eyes intently surveying the scene below with extraordinary focus. Earlier, Lucas had outpaced his target, tadoi, and inadvertently discovered this secluded location.Below him, the area was bathed in a hushed stillness, occasionally disrupted by subtle movements inside a tent positioned not far from his perch. The dim glow from torches flickering around the tent served as beacons, revealing the presence of the Third Leg Sect's headquarters—or possibly one of its nearby camps. Regardless, their presence here indicated they were on a mission.Lucas exhaled softly, the cold night air filling his lungs. "They seem to have bigger plans," he murmured, pondering the implications of a remote sect establishing a camp in the vicinity of another. As he watched, his gaze sharp and calculating, he noted the guards' movements. They patrolled

That morning, as dawn hesitated in its arrival, the sunlight softly danced on the eastern horizon, and the usually tranquil village was jolted awake. The silence was shattered by the pounding of heavy, rhythmic footsteps echoing between the stone walls and thatched roofs. Anxious and curious, the villagers peered from behind windows and doors, their eyes fixated on the approaching entourage.It was no ordinary troop. Leading the line with a piercing gaze and an air of intimidation was Goba, the infamous leader of the Third Leg Sect. His followers, emanating a sense of ruthlessness, shouted, "Clear the way or face the consequences!" Promptly, everyone made room for them.This wasn't their first display of dominance; they had been causing disturbances in nearby villages and were now nearing the village closest to the Sun Treading Sect's stronghold.They were merely an hour away from their destination.Goba, with his black coat billowing behind him, marched with an air of command, his ey

A heavy overcast sky loomed ominously over the Sun Treading Sect. That day, the air was thick with the weight of unresolved mysteries.Lucas, his gaze sharp and intense, emerged from the interrogation room. His expression was one of deep seriousness, reflecting the gravity of their inquiry. They had just finished questioning the girl responsible for bringing the drink to the Sun Treading Sect leader, a drink that was under suspicion of being poisoned.Beside him, Ame, who bore a similar expression of frustration, seemed equally disappointed with the outcome of the interrogation."Are you certain the girl who brought the drink was unaware of anything suspicious?" Lucas inquired. He had already surmised as much, but the grim look on Ame's face compelled him to seek confirmation."Yes, I conducted a thorough examination. There's absolutely no evidence implicating her," Ame responded with certainty.This confirmed that the girl, a disciple of the Sun Treading Sect, was merely a messenger,

Amidst the serenity surrounding the Stromwind mansion, an unexpected commotion broke the silence. The gilded wheels of a horse-drawn carriage creaked loudly as it halted right in front of the gates of the stately home, signaling an unanticipated arrival.Emanating from the intricately carved carriage were members of the Shadowblade Family, renowned as one of the most influential families in the city of Jade Valley. The Shadowblade patriarch, projecting a friendly demeanor, greeted Patriarch Stromwind. "Patriarch Stromwind, it's a pleasure to meet you." His smile was affable, but his eyes betrayed a cunning sharpness, reminiscent of a fox concealing malevolent intentions.Lucas' father-in-law, albeit perplexed, extended a handshake to the visitor, wondering about the reasons behind this sudden visit from one of the prominent families. In a society where five families held equal power, the direct visit of one patriarch to another's residence was indeed extraordinary.Luna, observing the