Chapter 38: Shadows in Motion
The morning sun crept over the horizon, bathing Clear Water City in hues of gold and crimson. The city slowly came to life, the rhythmic beats of hooves against cobblestone streets blending with the distant chatter of merchants setting up their stalls. A faint mist still clung to the rooftops, whispering of the night's lingering chill, while the crisp morning air carried the scent of dew-kissed earth and blooming magnolias.
Deep within the Xiao Family Quarters, in a dimly lit chamber, the scent of aged incense mingled with the rich aroma of red wine. The flickering glow of lanterns cast long shadows against the polished mahogany walls. Seated in a furred chair, draped in black robes embroidered with golden intricate designs, was Xiao Yang. In his hand, a glass of deep red wine swirled lazily as he took a slow sip, savoring the bitter sweetness. His sharp, calculating eyes gleamed in the dim light.
Beside him sat a middle-aged man with streaks of black and white in his hair—Elder Xiao Feng. His presence was composed yet imposing, exuding an air of quiet authority. The two men conversed in hushed tones, their expressions unreadable.
BAM!
The chamber doors swung open violently.
A figure rushed in, his breathing uneven, his face laced with urgency.
"Insolence!" Elder Xiao Feng's sharp voice cut through the room like a blade. His eyes narrowed dangerously as he glared at the intruder. "Do you have no manners, boy?"
Xiao Han, now frozen in place, swallowed hard. His heart pounded against his ribs as he realized his mistake. Perhaps he had acted too rashly.
"What is it, son?" Xiao Yang's voice was calm, indifferent—his gaze as steady as still water.
"Y-Yes..." Xiao Han stammered, quickly composing himself. He reached into his robes and retrieved a folded parchment, the paper bearing an ominous black seal. "The Messenger Raven arrived… it left this." He stepped forward, extending the letter to his father.
"Hmph! Ignorant child," Elder Xiao Feng scoffed. "How dare you refer to the Luo Family's Patriarch's beast companion as a mere messenger? That raven could finish you off in minutes in a frontal fight!"
Xiao Han flinched but bit his tongue.
Xiao Yang chuckled lightly, waving a hand. "Leave him be, Elder Feng." He took the letter and passed it to Elder Feng. "Why are you so grumpy today?" Xiao Han muttered inwardly, suppressing his irritation.
Elder Xiao Feng carefully broke the seal, unfolding the parchment. His sharp eyes scanned the words before reading aloud:
"Everything is proceeding as planned. We have confirmed the target's location. I will contact an old acquaintance to deal with the matter. If you are free, we should meet to discuss further details."
Silence lingered in the chamber.
Then—laughter.
A slow, deliberate chuckle that gradually grew into deep, sinister amusement.
"Hahaha... As careful and calculating as ever," Elder Xiao Feng mused. "Luo Xuan leaves no traces—no names, no addresses. A cunning man indeed."
Xiao Yang stroked his chin, his eyes narrowing. "So, we finally have the bastard's location. It's only a matter of time before he is eliminated." He turned to Xiao Han, his lips curling into a smirk. "With that thorn removed, the position of the family heir will naturally fall to you, Han'er."
Xiao Han's eyes lit up with barely contained excitement. His fists clenched, his mind racing.
"Finally…" he exhaled, his blood boiling with anticipation. "That obstacle—Xiao Chen—will finally be erased from my path. Who cares if he's a once-in-a-lifetime prodigy? Who cares if he has awakened a Peak Heaven Rank Martial Spirit? Who cares if his talent is unrivaled?"
A dark, twisted chuckle rumbled from his throat.
"A dead genius is no genius at all!"
Xiao Yang observed his son's giddy expression with a blank, unreadable face. After a moment, he waved a hand.
"Leave us."
"Yes, Father!" Xiao Han bowed eagerly before rushing out, a grin stretched across his lips. His excitement was palpable, his thoughts consumed by the prospect of victory.
Once the doors shut behind him, a heavy silence filled the chamber.
Elder Xiao Feng sighed. "That boy is nothing like Xiao Chen… Not only is Xiao Chen younger, but he is also far more mature, composed, and infinitely more talented. Han'er pales in comparison."
Xiao Yang swirled his wine glass, a cold smile playing at his lips. "It is truly a pity… If only Xiao Chen were not a threat, he would have been a valuable asset."
Elder Xiao Feng sighed again. "Regardless, at least Han'er will secure the heir's position—"
"No."
Elder Xiao Feng blinked. "What?"
Xiao Yang's eyes gleamed with something far more dangerous than ambition. "Xiao Han is only a tool—nothing more. Once Xiao Chen is dead, my plan will move to its next phase." He took another sip of his wine before continuing, his voice chillingly casual.
"Xiao Hao will be next."
Elder Xiao Feng's body stiffened.
"You... You mean to kill the Patriarch? But he is a Peak Martial Lord! We are only at the Peak Martial Grandmaster Realm—"
"Hahaha…" Xiao Yang's laughter was low, yet it sent a shiver down Elder Feng's spine.
Xiao Yang's eyes blazed as he recalled the day he was passed over for the Patriarch's seat. His older brother, Xiao Hao, had been chosen instead.
"I am the wiser one," Xiao Yang whispered to himself, his voice trembling with suppressed rage. "I am the one who deserves to lead."
The memory of that humiliation still seethed within him, fueling his unyielding ambition. "Power alone does not determine a man's fate, Elder Feng. Strategy does. I have already set the pieces in motion. Soon, I will no longer be a mere Grandmaster. I, Xiao Yang, will become the next Patriarch—not Xiao Han, not anyone else."
A foreboding silence filled the chamber.
Elder Xiao Feng narrowed his eyes, studying the man before him. "You are more ruthless than I imagined, Xiao Yang…" He exhaled, a bead of sweat rolling down his temple. "And now, I find myself entangled in a game where there is no turning back."
Xiao Yang smirked, rising from his chair. "Come, Elder Feng. It's time we pay the Luo Family a visit. The real game is about to begin."
As the two figures exited the chamber, the flickering lanterns cast long, wavering shadows—foretelling the storm that was about to descend upon the Xiao Family.
...
As the gears of ambition turned within the Xiao Family's quarters, setting unseen forces into motion, the sun rose over the Mystical Beast Forest, its golden light piercing through the dense foliage. Far from the shadows of schemes and conspiracies, a different kind of battle was unfolding—a battle of growth, survival, and self-discovery.
The soft rustling of leaves accompanied the morning breeze as golden rays bathed the wilderness. The air was fresh, carrying the scent of damp earth and blooming flora. Amidst the serenity, a faint murmur stirred within a secluded clearing.
Xiao Rongyu's long lashes fluttered as she stirred from her slumber. The warmth of the sunlight caressed her fair skin, illuminating her delicate features. However, before she could fully awaken, she felt something soft yet firm pressing against her cheek.
"Mn...?"
Her amber eyes snapped open, only to be greeted by two deep blue orbs staring at her with an expectant gaze.
"Mistshadow!"
Startled, she pushed the silver-furred wolf aside, sending it rolling onto the grass. The beast let out a playful whine, its tail swishing in amusement as if greeting her with a lazy "Good morning."
Xiao Rongyu sighed, stretching her slender arms before rubbing her eyes with a delicate yawn. As she took in her surroundings, a sudden realization struck her—something was off.
Her gaze flickered across the small clearing, her heart skipping a beat.
"Brother Chen?"
Silence.
Her expression hardened. Where was he?
She quickly sat up, scanning the area, her breath quickening. Had something happened? How long had she been asleep? The remnants of their campfire still smoldered faintly, a wisp of smoke curling into the morning air, but Xiao Chen was nowhere in sight.
She turned sharply to Mistshadow, who had now risen to its feet. "Where is he?" she demanded.
The wind wolf tilted its head slightly before letting out a low growl. Then, without hesitation, it turned toward the dense thicket of trees, ears perked as if listening to something beyond her range.
Xiao Rongyu clenched her fists, frustration creeping into her voice. "Tch… why didn't he wake me?" She exhaled sharply, shaking off her drowsiness before rising to her feet. Dusting off her robes, she cast one last glance around the camp before focusing on Mistshadow.
"Fine. Lead the way."
The wolf let out a soft huff of acknowledgment before bounding forward, slipping effortlessly through the underbrush. Xiao Rongyu followed without hesitation, her heart pounding as she vanished into the shadows of the forest.