The Heir of the Celestial Diagram

Chapter 15: The Intruder in the Cave

The air in the cave became tense. The unknown cultivator took a few steps forward, his attentive eyes scanning the surroundings.

Han Feng held his breath and activated his Celestial Veil Art to the fullest. His presence completely vanished, becoming a shadow among shadows.

The intruder was a man of severe appearance, wearing a gray tunic with scarlet patterns. His Qi fluctuated around the 4th level of Spiritual Foundation, a realm that far surpassed Han Feng's current level.

If he were discovered, he wouldn't stand a chance in a direct confrontation.

The man narrowed his eyes, observing the sleeping Mysterious Gu. A satisfied smile appeared on his face.

"Hmph!" Finally, I found this rarity. The Shadow Lord will pay a high price for this.

Lord Shadow?

Han Feng etched the name in his mind. This man was just a mercenary or a subordinate of someone more powerful. If he was collecting rare Gu, it meant there was a network of cultivators interested in treasures like that.

But before he could think more about it, the Nebulous Wolf reacted.

A deep growl echoed through the cave. The wolf slowly rose, its fangs glinting in the dim light.

The man laughed. "So it's you who protects this creature?" Well, I can handle this quickly.

The battle would begin.

A Deadly Conflict

The cultivator extended his hand, summoning a Black Qi Spear that floated beside him. The Nebulous Wolf, in response, charged forward with incredible speed, trying to attack his throat.

The first thrust of the spear cut through the air, but the wolf dodged at the last second. He moved in an erratic pattern, trying to confuse the opponent.

Han Feng watched attentively. This was the perfect moment to gather information about the Mysterious Gu and the invader.

Each movement revealed important details:

The wolf was protecting Gu, not just feeding on him.

The cultivator knew the value of Gu and wanted it for someone named Lord Shadow.

The fight was balanced, but the wolf was starting to lose ground.

If the wolf lost, Gu would fall into the enemy's hands.

Han Feng couldn't allow that.

A Plan in the Shadows

Without revealing himself, he silently activated the Dual Chaos Larva, channeling a thread of subtle Qi into the chrysalis of the Mysterious Gu.

The chrysalis reacted!

She shone momentarily, releasing a faint wave of energy that disturbed the Qi flows in the cave.

The cultivator frowned. "What?"

The Misty Wolf took advantage of the distraction and launched a fierce blow, hitting the man on the shoulder. A deep cut appeared, and blood flowed down his gray tunic.

The cultivator stepped back, cursing. "Cursed animal!"

He looked at Gu, then at the wolf, and then at the cave entrance. He realized that time was against him—if he took too long, he might attract more dangers.

Tsk. It seems that I will have to come back later.

With a final look of frustration, the man turned and left in a hurry.

Han Feng remained motionless until the presence of the intruder completely disappeared.

Only then did he let out a slight sigh and relaxed his concealment.

A New Decision

The Nebulous Wolf, now wounded, staggered back to the chrysalis and lay down beside it.

Han Feng pondered.

He needed to act quickly. That cultivator would return at some point, perhaps with reinforcements.

If he wanted the Mysterious Gu, he had to refine it before the enemy returned.

But how to do this without alerting the wolf?

The next step of his journey had just become even more dangerous.