The Heir of the Celestial Diagram

Chapter 22: Secrets in the Shadows

Han Feng maintained a calm expression as the other newcomers, now official members of the Black Moon Sect, were taken to different areas of the organization.

After his successful survival mission, he knew that his position was relatively secure, but he also understood that the real tests were yet to come.

The cult operated under a rigid structure of authority levels, where the newcomers were merely the base of the pyramid. Above them were the Outer Disciples, then the Inner Disciples, and at the top, the Elders and the Master of the Sect.

The External Disciples had more freedom, while the Internal Disciples were trained directly by Elders and sent on more dangerous missions. The Sect Master was rarely seen, and rumors said that his strength was beyond the comprehension of ordinary disciples.

Han Feng knew he needed to climb this hierarchy, but without drawing premature attention.

The First Official Mission

A few days after his acceptance, Han Feng received his first official mission within the sect.

A messenger in a black tunic found him in the novice dormitories and handed him a sealed scroll.

"Han Feng, your first task as a member of the sect." Open it only when you are alone.

He nodded silently and, as soon as he had a safe moment, broke the seal and read the contents.

Mission: Identify and eliminate a traitor within the Black Moon Sect. Target: External Disciple named Liang Mu. Objective: Gather evidence and eliminate him discreetly. Reward: Promotion to External Disciple and access to advanced techniques.

Han Feng narrowed his eyes. A murder mission right at the beginning?

The Black Moon Sect clearly did not tolerate weakness. He understood that this mission also served as a test to evaluate his loyalty.

But there was a problem...

If he eliminated Liang Mu very skillfully, it would attract attention.

If he failed or showed inexperience, his position would be at risk.

He needed to play intelligently.

The Hunt for the Traitor

Han Feng began his investigation discreetly, observing Liang Mu without showing direct interest.

He discovered that Liang Mu was a disciple with an unstable temperament, known for his nocturnal escapades. He seemed to be in contact with an external group, but no one knew exactly who.

Using his Celestial Veil Art, Han Feng concealed his presence and followed Liang Mu to an isolated spot within the sect's caves.

To his surprise, he saw the traitor meeting with a hooded stranger.

They exchanged a few words in a low voice, but Han Feng managed to hear the essentials:

"The Sect of the Black Moon will soon fall..." They don't know, but the Shadow Hunters have already begun to infiltrate.

The Shadow Hunters?

Han Feng didn't recognize that name, but the tone used suggested something big and dangerous.

The Murder in the Shadows

Han Feng retreated unnoticed and planned his next move.

He needed to eliminate Liang Mu naturally, so that no one would suspect him.

He waited patiently for an opportunity, and it came the following night.

Liang Mu returned to his dormitory late at night, tired and distracted. Han Feng attacked silently, using a poisoned silk thread to cut his throat without a sound.

Before Liang Mu could scream, his body was already lifeless.

Han Feng quickly staged the scene to look like a suicide, leaving false clues that led to the belief that Liang Mu had killed himself after discovering he was being watched.

The corpse was found the next morning. The cult concluded that he was afraid of being discovered and took his own life.

Han Feng managed to complete the mission without drawing attention.

Promotion and New Opportunities

A few days later, Han Feng was called to the Hall of External Disciples.

Elder Zhu watched him with an evaluating gaze.

Good job, Han Feng. You acted with precision and left no traces. The Black Moon Sect appreciates efficient assassins.

He tossed a small emblem to Han Feng.

From today, you are an External Disciple. Your loyalty will be rewarded with knowledge and power.

Han Feng picked up the emblem without showing any emotion. This was just another step in his journey.

The Secret Discovered

Now as an External Disciple, Han Feng had access to new areas of the sect.

In one of his first explorations, he found a restricted library, filled with ancient scrolls on dark techniques and assassination.

Among the numerous texts, something caught his attention:

A worn-out scroll, almost forgotten in the corner of the shelf.

Upon opening it, he saw a name that made him hold his breath:

"The Celestial Diagram and Cultivation in the Shadows"

His heart raced. The Celestial Diagram was exactly what he had in mind!

The words on the parchment were vague, but they indicated that the Black Moon Sect had already found fragments of the same power he possessed.

He quickly closed the scroll, pretending he hadn't seen anything.

If the cult knew he had something so valuable, he would become an instant target.

Han Feng knew he needed to find out more about this connection... but he would do it without raising suspicion.