The Heir of the Celestial Diagram

Chapter 29: The Game of Shadows

Han Feng moved like a ghost through the forest around the cave. He knew that his time there was running out, as the hooded stranger had already identified his presence, albeit indirectly. His heart beat in a controlled manner, but his mind worked quickly to find a solution.

He needed to avoid a direct confrontation.

With her Art of the Celestial Veil, she reduced her presence to a minimum, circulating her energy in a way that masked her signature. That method required great control, but it was essential to keep his secret.

The hooded figure, still inside the cave, remained silent for a few moments, as if pondering the vision he had just witnessed. Then, a faint smile appeared on his lips.

— You're still here, aren't you? — he murmured, his voice softly echoing through the cave.

Han Feng didn't move. Any hasty action could betray him. Instead, he used his experience to slow even his breathing, becoming part of the darkness around him.

The stranger stepped forward, pressing his palm against one of the symbols carved into the cave. A faint ripple of energy coursed through the space. Han Feng immediately felt a strange flow trying to track him, an advanced perception technique.

"So this is how you play?" — Han Feng thought, remaining motionless.

The wave of energy passed through him, but did not detect him. His control over the Art of the Celestial Veil was refined enough to avoid that scan. Still, he knew that his opponent would not give up easily.

The hooded figure sighed and took a step back.

— Nothing? Interesting... it seems I've found someone worthy.

Han Feng realized that man was dangerous. Even without revealing his strength, he was already attracting too much attention. He needed to divert the eyes from himself.

He picked up a small stone from the ground and infused it with a thread of Qi before throwing it to the opposite side of the cave. The impact was subtle, but enough to create a distant echo.

The hooded figure reacted immediately, turning towards the sound. With a fluid motion, he advanced, crossing the cave in the blink of an eye.

Han Feng did not waste the opportunity. Taking advantage of the distraction, he slipped out of the cave, disappearing into the shadows of the night.

Now, I needed to find a new hiding place to continue cultivating and deciphering the secrets of the Celestial Diagram fragment without raising any more suspicions.

The hunt had begun, and Han Feng knew that his time in the shadows would be tested like never before.