CHAPTER 116: CRIMSON SHADOWS APPROACHING

The morning after their shared cultivation, the Li estate buzzed with an energy unlike before. Word spread quickly—Zheng Wei had broken through overnight. Many dismissed it as her own talent, but whispers persisted: Li Tian must have been involved.

Li Tian didn’t care about rumors. He sat cross-legged in his chamber, eyes closed, aura condensed like a coiled dragon. The Dual Harmony Technique still lingered in his meridians, strengthening him in subtle but undeniable ways. His Qi circulation was smoother, faster, and his body hummed with suppressed power.

[System Notification: Host’s cultivation efficiency increased by 35% for the next 48 hours due to Dual Harmony Resonance.]

Li Tian opened his eyes, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "So it wasn’t just her that benefitted... good."

A knock echoed at his door. "Young master Li Tian," a servant called nervously, "the patriarch requests your presence."

Li Tian rose casually. His father rarely summoned him unless something important was at stake.

The main hall was filled when he arrived. His half-brothers sat stiffly, their eyes filled with concealed hostility. His stepmothers whispered behind fans, though their gazes lingered on him longer than usual. At the center, Patriarch Li Feng stood tall, his aura sharp as a blade.

"Li Tian," Li Feng said, voice steady. "Our scouts have returned. The Crimson Moon Sect has sent envoys into our territory. They claim peace... but their movements reek of preparation."

A chill swept through the hall. The Crimson Moon Sect—an infamous faction known for blood cultivation. Their disciples thrived on slaughter, using human lives to fuel their strength.

One of Li Tian’s brothers scoffed. "Father, why summon him for this? Li Tian is untested. What could he contribute?"

Li Feng’s eyes narrowed. "Because he sees what you do not."

Li Tian stepped forward, ignoring the glare of his brother. "The Crimson Moon Sect never sends envoys for peace. They’ll probe us first—test our strength. The moment they sense weakness, they’ll strike."

Silence followed his words, but it was the kind of silence that confirmed truth.

Li Feng nodded gravely. "Then prepare yourself, Li Tian. Tonight, you will accompany me to meet their envoy."

[System Notification: Quest Triggered — Shadows of Crimson. Objective: Attend the envoy meeting and uncover the Crimson Moon Sect’s true intentions. Optional Objective: Neutralize hidden threats. Reward: Secret Technique – Blood Severing Palm.]

Li Tian’s smirk returned. "Perfect timing. I was getting bored."

That night, the Li family’s delegation rode out to the border pavilion. Torches lit the night, their flames casting long shadows across the clearing. From the opposite side came a procession cloaked in crimson robes, their leader a gaunt man with crimson eyes that glowed faintly in the dark.

"Patriarch Li Feng," the envoy drawled, bowing slightly. "The Crimson Moon Sect greets you. We come not for conflict... but for cooperation."

Li Tian studied him closely. His Qi was unstable, tainted with blood essence. He’s hiding something, Li Tian thought.

As the envoy spoke of "trade routes" and "mutual prosperity," Li Tian’s sharp gaze flickered to the disciples behind him. Their hands twitched near their robes, their stances tight—ready for violence at any moment.

He leaned slightly toward his father. "They’ve hidden weapons. Poisoned ones."

Li Feng’s jaw tightened. "Then we test their sincerity."

Before the envoy could finish his rehearsed speech, Li Feng’s aura burst forth, filling the pavilion like a crushing tide. "If peace is what you bring, prove it—stand down your disciples!"

The envoy’s mask cracked. His lips curled into a sinister smile. "As sharp as ever, Patriarch. Then allow me to show you the Crimson Moon’s true intentions."

The disciples dropped their robes. Crimson daggers gleamed under the torchlight, dripping with poisonous Qi. They lunged forward, bloodlust thick in the air.

Li Tian’s eyes lit up with excitement. Finally, something worth his strength.

[System Notification: Crisis Mode Activated. Host’s physical and spiritual capabilities increased by 50% for 10 minutes.]

"Now this," Li Tian muttered, his aura exploding like wildfire, "is interesting."

He shot forward, his palm crackling with Qi, his movement sharp as lightning.

The envoy’s disciples never stood a chance.