The Heir of the Celestial Diagram

Chapter 28: The Echo of Shadows

Han Feng quickly stored the fragment of the Celestial Diagram and concealed his presence to the utmost. His Celestial Veil Art made him practically undetectable, but he knew he couldn't underestimate whoever was approaching.

Footsteps echoed through the cave. A hooded figure entered the hall and stopped in front of the empty altar.

— Did I arrive too late?

The voice was cold and laden with caution. The stranger examined the altar for a moment and then closed his eyes, feeling the remnants of energy that still permeated the air.

Han Feng held his breath. The stranger had a keen sensitivity for tracking Qi. If he stayed there for too long, he could be discovered.

The stranger extended his hand, channeling his own Qi into one of the altar's symbols. Instantly, a spectral projection appeared in the air, revealing a scene from the past: Han Feng confronting the guardian and taking the fragment.

— Interesting...

The hooded figure murmured, his eyes shining with a hint of excitement. Han Feng knew at that moment that his presence had been noticed, even if indirectly.

He needed to act quickly.

With a subtle movement, he activated an illusion technique, leaving a shadow of himself in the darkness while he silently retreated through the cave. If he was lucky, the stranger would waste time investigating the illusion while he escaped.

But before he could move away completely, the figure spoke again:

— I know you're here. No matter how much you try to hide, one truth remains absolute: destiny always finds those who carry the celestial legacy.

Han Feng's heart tightened. Who was that man? How did he know so much?

He wouldn't wait to find out.

With one last look at the cave, Han Feng disappeared into the shadows of the night.