The air in the meditation chamber grew thick with power as golden characters from the System interface burned themselves across Li Wei's vision. Each glowing line pulsed like a living thing, whispering secrets of the Martial Domain just beyond his grasp. A bead of sweat traced down his temple - not from exertion, but from the sheer pressure of the ancient knowledge pressing against his mind.
***** MINOR TITLE UNLOCKED ******
HEART OF WOOD
*****Rewards***
A kind man like yourself does not need one
****************************************
"Still not enough," he growled, clenching his fists until his knuckles cracked. The System's rewards mocked him today. That pitiful "Heart of Wood" title might as well have been a slap to the face for all the good it did him.
A sudden ripple in the chamber's protective wards announced Leng Yue's arrival before the door slid open. Moonlight from the corridor silhouetted her slender frame, casting long shadows that danced like daggers across the floor.
"They're like starved dogs fighting over scraps," she said without preamble, her voice the sharp edge of a winter wind. "Liu Feng plays the gracious host, but half those smiling snakes would plunge knives in his back given the chance."
Li Wei's lips curled into something too sharp to be called a smile. "Then we'll remind them what happens to dogs that bite their master's hand."
As they moved through the opulent halls, the sounds of forced merriment grew louder. The scent of roasted meats and expensive incense did little to mask the underlying tension. A passing servant carrying a tray of delicate porcelain flinched so violently at their approach that several cups shattered on the polished jade floor.
*Crash.*
The sound cut through the nearby conversations like a blade. Several finely-dressed nobles turned, their painted smiles freezing when they recognized who approached.
"Y-Young Master Li!" stammered a merchant whose elaborate headpiece trembled with his shaking. "What an honor to—"
Li Wei walked past as if the man didn't exist.
At the grand hall's entrance, two guards snapped to attention, their armor clanking as they moved to open the massive doors. The scene beyond was a riot of color and noise - silken banners fluttering, musicians playing lively tunes, nobles laughing just a bit too loudly.
All of it died the moment Li Wei crossed the threshold.
Liu Feng nearly spilled his wine in his haste to stand. "Ah! Our most honored—"
The words turned to ash in his mouth as Li Wei's gaze locked onto a nondescript man edging toward the patriarch's seat. There - the telltale bulge of steel beneath flowing sleeves. The slight tension in the shoulders before a strike.
Time seemed to slow as Li Wei raised a single finger.
The world exploded in blue-white fury.
**BOOOOM!**
A thunderclap shook the hall as a bolt of pure lightning lanced across the room. The would-be assassin had just enough time for his eyes to widen before the electricity reduced him to a charred silhouette, then scattered ashes. The smell of ozone and burnt flesh flooded the space as the echoing boom faded into stunned silence.
Li Wei calmly took his seat at the high table, picking up a goblet of crimson wine that shimmered like liquid rubies in the lamplight. All around him, nobles stood frozen - some mid-step, others with cups halfway to their lips. A woman near the back fainted straight into a servant's arms.
"Now then," Li Wei said, taking a slow sip as his eyes scanned the petrified crowd, "shall we discuss the consequences of betrayal?"
The hall fell into a deathly silence, broken only by the faint crackling of the smoldering ashes where the assassin once stood. The scent of ozone lingered in the air, sharp and electric, as the guests stared at Li Wei with wide eyes, their faces a mix of awe and terror.
Liu Feng, though startled, quickly schooled his expression into one of calm authority. He cleared his throat and raised his wine cup. "A toast!" he declared, forcing cheer into his voice. "To our esteemed guest, Young Master Li Wei, whose vigilance ensures our safety!"
The crowd hesitated before raising their cups in shaky unison. Murmurs spread like wildfire.
"Did you see that? No hand seals, no incantation—just a flick of his finger!"
"Heaven's wrath in human form…"
"The Liu clan truly has a monster backing them now."
Li Wei swirled his wine, the crimson liquid catching the lamplight like liquid fire. His gaze swept over the guests, lingering on those who avoided his eyes. "Rats always scurry when the lantern is lit," he mused inwardly.
A portly merchant, his jowls trembling, stepped forward with a forced grin. "Young Master Li, your prowess is truly unmatched! The heavens have blessed Crescent Moon City with your presence!"
Li Wei smirked. "Blessing or curse, that depends on your perspective, doesn't it?"
The merchant's smile faltered.
Before he could respond, a sharp *clack* echoed through the hall as Leng Yue stepped forward, her silver hair shimmering under the lanterns. Her piercing blue eyes scanned the crowd like a blade unsheathed. "Enough flattery. If any of you still harbor thoughts of rebellion, speak now. Or forever hold your tongues."
A wiry elder from a minor clan scoffed, unable to contain his disdain. "You may be strong, but arrogance is the downfall of many a prodigy. The winds change direction swiftly in these lands."
Li Wei chuckled, low and dangerous. "Ah, Elder Mo. Still reciting proverbs like a scholar who's never held a sword." He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a whisper that somehow carried across the room. "But tell me—what use is knowing the wind's direction… when you can command the storm?"
With a flick of his wrist, a surge of energy rippled outward, rattling the cups and plates on the tables. The guests flinched as the very air seemed to vibrate with power.
Liu Feng, sensing the rising tension, clapped his hands. "Come, let us enjoy the festivities! The night is young, and the wine flows freely!"
But the mood had shifted. The once-boisterous celebration now felt like a gathering of prey in a predator's den.
---
Outside, the fireworks continued to explode in brilliant bursts of color, painting the sky in hues of gold and scarlet. The common folk cheered, oblivious to the tension within the Liu clan's halls.
A young boy tugged at his mother's sleeve. "Mama, look! The sky is dancing!"
She smiled, though her eyes were shadowed with worry. "Yes, child. But remember—fireworks are beautiful because they burn bright and fade fast. The real power lies in those who control the flame."
---
Back inside, Li Wei rose from his seat, his black robes swirling like ink in water. "I grow weary of these games." His voice was calm, yet it carried the weight of an executioner's axe. "Liu Feng."
The patriarch stiffened. "Yes, Grand Master?"
"Gather your most trusted men. We leave at dawn."
Murmurs erupted again.
"Leave? So soon?"
"Where is he going?"
Liu Feng hesitated. "Young Master, the other clans—"
"—will not dare move against you so long as they believe I might return," Li Wei finished. He smirked. "Let them wonder. Let them fear."
Leng Yue folded her arms. "And if they grow bold in your absence?"
Li Wei's grin turned feral. "Then we'll have a reason to come back and finish what we started."
The guests exchanged uneasy glances. The message was clear: Cross the Liu clan, and the dragon will return with fire and fang.
A sudden gust of wind howled through the open windows, extinguishing several lanterns. In the dim light, Li Wei's eyes gleamed like a beast's in the dark.
"Enjoy the rest of the celebration," he said smoothly. "After all… the night is still young."
With that, he turned and strode out of the hall, Leng Yue at his side. Behind them, the guests stood frozen, their hearts pounding like war drums.
The Young man had spoken.
And the city would obey.