The path to Crescent Hollow was narrow and steep, winding through cliffs and silent pines. Birds had stopped singing here-too much tension in the air. Too many hidden movements beneath the soil and leaves.
Shadow moved like a ghost through the forest, following disturbed tracks, traces of Qi, and fragments of shredded fabric in the brambles.
> "No patrols. No beasts. Not even scavengers."
> "They've cleared this place... waiting for a kill."
Three hours earlier, he'd slain the vice-captain of the mountain bandits-cleanly, silently. But not before he learned one name:
**Duan Xie**-the bandit captain. And **Crescent Hollow**-his next battlefield.
> "They want a caravan carrying spirit stones."
> "And now I know why."
---
### **The Four Sect Front**
In the wilderness region between the outer territories, four sects competed silently for dominance:
- **Verdant Moon Sect**, where Shadow originated, known for its flexibility and light movement techniques.
- **Green Spear Sect**, specializing in spear combat and discipline-infamous for its elite Core disciples.
- **White Stone Sect**, with their iron body arts and heavy defense.
- **Crimson Fog Sect**, wielders of poison and stealth-mysterious and rarely seen openly.
Though no open war raged between them, tension brewed constantly. Resources were few, and power was everything.
> "A caravan carrying spirit stones... escorted by someone from the Green Spear Sect..."
> "A perfect target to embarrass a rival. Or spark something darker."
Shadow stepped out of the trees and onto the broken path leading into Crescent Hollow. In the distance, a small group of travelers were setting up camp-a covered wagon, two mules, and a handful of escorts.
One of them stood out immediately.
He was tall, lean, and wore the pale green robes of the Green Spear Sect. His aura pulsed with confidence.
> **Foundation Building Realm, Fourth Level.**
> "He's strong," Shadow thought, hiding behind a boulder.
> "But he's not cautious."
---
Shadow waited until dusk, then emerged from the brush limping slightly and holding his side as if injured. His robes were still worn and soot-stained, his hair tied back in a simple knot.
He stumbled near the fire.
One of the caravan guards raised a sword-but the Green Spear disciple lifted a hand.
> "State your name and reason," the disciple said sharply.
Shadow bowed slightly, eyes lowered.
> "My name is Li Wei. I'm just a wandering cultivator... robbed and lost in the woods."
> "I saw your campfire... and hoped for a little warmth before morning."
The disciple's eyes narrowed.
> "Your cultivation?"
> "First level Foundation," Shadow lied smoothly.
The disciple scoffed.
> "Useless. Go beg from the villages below."
> "We're not a shelter for strays."
But before the order to leave came, the caravan master-a middle-aged merchant with sunburned skin and tired eyes-intervened.
> "Let him stay near the mules, Master Disciple. He's just a child."
> "If bandits come, he'll die first anyway."
That drew laughter from the guards.
Shadow smiled softly, hiding his eyes.
> "Exactly what I need."
---
He lay near the supply cart, head down, ears open.
The Green Spear disciple was boastful-bragging about his recent match against a Crimson Fog rogue, drinking strong wine, and dismissing his escort duties.
> "Bandits wouldn't dare approach," he said. "Not with me here."
Shadow stayed silent.
And watched.
---
Just before midnight, the wind shifted.
The temperature dropped.
And from the trees ahead-**they came.**
First shadows.
Then figures.
And then-**Duan Xie**.
He stepped out with a crooked blade in one hand and a black wolf-skin cloak over his shoulders. His eyes were dark, his expression hollow.
Behind him came **twelve armed men**-bandits, but moving with synchronized precision. Shadow recognized three faces: survivors from the mountain base. Reinforcements had joined them.
The Green Spear disciple stood and drew his spear.
> "Bandits," he hissed.
> "So you came."
> "Of course," Duan Xie said calmly. "I'm only here for the goods."
> "Leave now, and I'll let the weaklings run."
> "You talk too much," the disciple snapped and lunged.
> **Spear Flash Burst**-a Green Spear mid-tier Wood art-whipped forward with spiraling Qi.
Duan Xie blocked the first strike, slid sideways, and ducked under the second. Then his blade moved-
> **One strike.**
> **One spray of blood.**
The disciple's eyes widened-he never even saw the cut.
His head hit the ground before his knees did.
Screams broke out.
The guards turned to flee, but Duan's men crashed into the camp like wolves into sheep.
Shadow stood.
Still.
Calm.
And watched.
One guard begged.
One tried to run.
All died.
---
When it was over, Shadow remained-standing alone in the blood-soaked dirt. Duan Xie stared at him from across the fire, brow furrowed.
> "You're not with them."
> "No," Shadow replied.
> "And you didn't run."
> "No."
> "Interesting."
Duan Xie stepped forward, blade still red, and tilted his head.
> "You look calm for a stray."
> "You killed my vice-captain."
Shadow remained silent.
Duan Xie smirked.
> "I should kill you. But... you're not afraid. That's rare."
> "And rare things interest me."
He turned away.
> "If you survive the night, maybe I'll let you join us."
And with that, the bandits disappeared into the trees-leaving Shadow alone, in a circle of fire and corpses.
He exhaled.
> "So this... is the man behind the plan."
His fingers tightened around the hilt of his sword.
The flames reflected in his eyes-not horror.
Only resolve.
> "Next time... I won't just watch."