Reincarnation of the Celestial Bastard

Chapter 100: Shadows of the Lotus

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the Li estate in a dim twilight glow, Li Tian gathered his thoughts, recalling the mission the system had just presented. The Crimson Lotus would continue sending its agents until their hold was broken—no more waiting, no more sparing foes. This was a hunt.

He glanced at Liu Mei, who sat beside him, her expression resolute. "Are you sure about this?" he asked, his voice calm but laced with concern.

She met his gaze with unwavering determination. "You think I'd leave you to deal with these people alone?"

He smirked. "I know better than to ask that twice."

The pair prepared to head out, taking only the essentials. The dark forests surrounding the city were known to hide all manner of secrets—and their enemies often took advantage of that cover. They slipped through the main gates under the cloak of night, moving swiftly and silently through the dense foliage. Liu Mei's ice-based aura kept their trail cold, making it nearly impossible for anyone to track them.

As they ventured deeper into the forest, the air grew heavier, an unmistakable sign that they were approaching enemy territory. The Crimson Lotus was skilled in cloaking their hideouts with intricate traps, concealed paths, and dark energy that masked their presence. But with the system's guidance and his heightened senses, Li Tian could see through the veil.

A notification flashed in his vision:

[System Notification: Quest Update]

Objective Detected: Crimson Lotus Outpost Located. Proceed with Caution.

He signaled to Liu Mei, pointing to a narrow path hidden among thick trees. They moved carefully, every step calculated, every sense on high alert. As they approached, the shadows began to shift—figures in red cloaks melted out from behind trees and rocks, their sinister masks gleaming in the dim light.

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Li Tian took a step forward, his voice low yet commanding. "Your master must know by now: I'm coming for him."

One of the figures laughed, his tone mocking. "You? You're nothing but an insect to the Lotus. Prepare yourself for oblivion."

Without hesitation, the Crimson Lotus agents attacked. Li Tian raised his hand, channeling his Phantom Blaze, dark flames swirling around him in a protective barrier. The closest agent lunged, a dagger aimed at his heart. But Li Tian sidestepped, countering with a swift slash of his Shadowstrike Blade Technique, leaving a trail of dark energy that slashed through the attacker's cloak, rendering him immobile.

Liu Mei took on two enemies simultaneously, her movements graceful yet deadly. With a flick of her wrist, she summoned shards of ice that flew like arrows, piercing through her opponents' defenses. The cold energy she wielded left her attackers frozen in their tracks, their final expressions etched in terror.

Li Tian's movements were calculated, his mind a blend of instincts and precision. He absorbed each of his attackers' techniques, analyzing them before retaliating with overpowering force. The battle was fierce, but as each enemy fell, he felt his strength and confidence rise.

Just as he took down the last of them, a figure stepped out from the shadows. Unlike the others, this one wore a mask adorned with intricate designs, signifying a higher rank within the organization. He carried a staff, the end of which pulsed with dark energy.

"So, you're the thorn in our side," the masked man said, his voice cold. "I've been sent to end this little rebellion."

Li Tian met his gaze, unfazed. "Try if you like, but you'll end up like the rest."

With a flick of his wrist, the man's staff glowed, and a dark mist spread across the ground. The shadows around them deepened, and strange, twisted forms began to rise from the mist—phantoms bound to the will of the Crimson Lotus. They moved with silent malice, their forms shifting like smoke, reaching toward Li Tian and Liu Mei.

Liu Mei grimaced. "Dark spirits?"

Li Tian grinned. "Nothing I haven't handled before."

He unleashed his Phantom Blaze, the dark fire engulfing the spirits and dispersing the mist. But as soon as one spirit was vanquished, two more took its place. Realizing this, he activated his newly acquired Flame Serpent Armor Technique, feeling a rush of energy as fiery scales covered his body, providing enhanced protection and increasing his resistance to the dark forces around him.

The masked leader narrowed his eyes. "You think mere flames will stop us?"

Li Tian charged forward, his Flame Serpent Armor enhancing his speed and strength. Each of his strikes landed with resounding power, cracking through the enemy's defenses. Liu Mei followed suit, her icy attacks creating a deadly synergy with his flames, the contrasting elements causing explosive reactions upon impact.

As the battle raged, the masked leader began to falter, the confidence in his stance wavering. Realizing that he was outmatched, he attempted to retreat, raising his staff and muttering an incantation.

"Oh no, you're not escaping that easily." Li Tian surged forward, slashing through the dark energy around the staff with a swift strike, breaking the incantation. He drove his blade toward the man's chest, but instead of resistance, he felt only a shiver—the man's form dissipated, revealing him to be nothing more than a projection.

The masked leader's voice echoed around them. "Impressive. But this was only a taste of what's to come. The Crimson Lotus will not be so easily broken."

And with that, the mist faded, leaving only silence.

Liu Mei released a breath, looking to Li Tian. "This isn't over."

He nodded, his expression hard. "No, it's just beginning."

A new notification appeared:

[System Notification: Quest Update – Progression Unlocked]

Objective: Eliminate remaining Crimson Lotus influence in the region. Prepare for further opposition.

Li Tian clenched his fists. Whatever lay ahead, he knew he had the strength, the allies, and the unyielding will to see it through.