Reincarnation of the Celestial Bastard

Chapter 99: The Serpent's Whisper

With dawn's first light, Li Tian's senses sharpened, tuned into every rustling leaf and snapping twig in the forest beyond the estate. He felt a distinct presence—something lurking just beyond his sight. It was as if the air itself carried the weight of a hidden adversary.

"Something's coming," he murmured to Liu Mei, who was practicing her own techniques nearby. Her brows furrowed, but she didn't need further explanation; she had learned to trust his instincts.

A figure cloaked in crimson emerged from the trees, his face obscured by a dark hood and a sinister mask with a serpent emblazoned on its forehead. His steps were deliberate, and an aura of malice wafted around him, sending a shiver down the spines of those nearby.

"Li Tian of the Li family," the figure intoned, his voice a low, chilling whisper. "You've interfered with matters beyond your comprehension. The Crimson Lotus does not forgive so easily."

Li Tian met his gaze with unyielding confidence, unmoved by the warning. "Then show me the strength behind your threats."

Without another word, the cloaked figure raised his hand, conjuring a blinding red flame that spiraled toward Li Tian. His instincts kicked in as he evaded the flames in a graceful sidestep, feeling the heat slice through the air just inches from his face.

"Phantom Blaze!" Li Tian unleashed his newly mastered technique, a dark fire surging forward to clash with the intruder's flame. The resulting explosion shook the ground beneath them, sparks raining down like meteor showers.

Seeing Li Tian's control over such powerful flames, the cloaked figure's eyes narrowed. "So you've learned the Phantom Blaze...impressive."

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Li Tian grinned. "More than learned. Let's see if you can handle it."

The figure retaliated with a vicious lunge, his arms twisting as he spun toward Li Tian with lethal precision. But Li Tian was faster. Utilizing the Shadowstrike Blade Technique, he maneuvered in close, his shadow-imbued blade slicing toward the enemy's defenses. The strike landed, tearing a gash in the man's robes and sending him stumbling back.

Despite his injury, the man laughed, the eerie sound echoing through the courtyard. "You've got skill, but this is merely a fraction of the Crimson Lotus's strength."

Before Li Tian could react, the figure disappeared into the shadows, only to reappear behind him in a flurry of movement. The man's fists erupted with a dark energy that pulsed with deadly intent as he struck toward Li Tian's back.

Li Tian twisted his body, narrowly avoiding the blow. As he turned, he unleashed a wave of Phantom Blaze, engulfing the area around him in dark flames that forced the figure to retreat. But the enemy was relentless, retaliating with another surge of fire.

Liu Mei, watching from the sidelines, stepped forward. Her aura flared as she joined the fray, her hands forming intricate seals before launching a wave of freezing energy toward the cloaked figure. The attack collided with his flames, momentarily quelling them in a burst of frost and embers.

"You're not facing him alone," she declared, her voice fierce.

Li Tian glanced at her with a hint of gratitude, a slight nod acknowledging her support. Together, they moved in tandem, their attacks synchronized as they pressured the enemy from both sides. Liu Mei's ice-based techniques contrasted with Li Tian's dark flames, each strike forcing their opponent further back.

The cloaked figure faltered, his attacks growing sloppy as he struggled to keep up with the duo's relentless assault. Sensing victory, Li Tian activated his Shadowstrike Blade Technique one last time, his blade flashing through the air as it connected with the man's chest. The force of the strike sent him sprawling to the ground, his crimson cloak stained with blood.

The man coughed, struggling to rise, but Li Tian's blade was already at his throat.

"Return to your masters," Li Tian commanded, his voice cold and unwavering. "Tell them if they want to come for me, they'd better send someone stronger."

The cloaked figure gave a weak laugh, his voice laced with malice. "You may have won today, but the Crimson Lotus has many eyes...and they're all watching you." With those final words, he vanished into a cloud of dark smoke, leaving behind only the lingering scent of blood and ashes.

Liu Mei exhaled, releasing the tension she'd held. "That was...intense."

Li Tian nodded, wiping the blade clean. "This is only the beginning. The Crimson Lotus isn't going to stop until they get what they want—or until they're stopped for good."

The system chimed, catching Li Tian's attention.

[System Notification: New Quest Available]

Quest: Break the Crimson Lotus's Power

Objective: Seek out and eliminate key Crimson Lotus operatives in the surrounding territories to weaken their influence.

Reward: Flame Serpent Armor Technique – an advanced defensive technique granting heightened resilience and flame immunity.

The reward held a promising edge, the kind that would fortify his arsenal further against the organization. Liu Mei peered over his shoulder, reading the system's task. She gave him a knowing look.

"It's time to go on the offensive, then," she remarked.

Li Tian met her gaze, a spark of determination in his eyes. "It's time to end this," he agreed, already feeling the resolve settling within him.