The Heir of the Celestial Diagram

Chapter 33: The Game of Shadows

The moon hung high in the sky, casting a pale glow over the misty landscape of the Dark Mist Mountains. Han Feng remained motionless among the trees, his presence completely concealed by the Art of the Celestial Veil. Every fiber of his being was focused on sensing any fluctuation in the flow of energy around him. He knew he was no longer alone.

Since he had started investigating the Celestial Diagram, he felt that something or someone was on his trail. Now, however, that suspicion had become a certainty. Someone was really trying to find him – but who?

His heart beat slowly as he focused his spiritual perception. There was a presence in the area, faint, but definitely there. He was not an ordinary pursuer. This individual knew how to hide, how to mask his own cultivation. He was a cunning adversary.

"If I make a mistake now, I might get caught."

Making a decision, Han Feng activated a skill he rarely used. Step of Dark Chaos. His body dissolved into the darkness, becoming a shadow among shadows. Moving with extreme caution, he traversed the steep terrain without making a sound. Each of his breaths was controlled, each movement calculated.

He followed the faint trace of the presence to a higher point on the mountain. From that position, he was finally able to glimpse the hidden figure.

He was a man cloaked in black robes, his eyes shining with a dark light. He held a talisman between his fingers, murmuring words in a low and grave tone. Han Feng frowned. He recognized that method – it was a type of advanced tracking, something that only elite cultivators used to hunt targets.

Han Feng's mind spun quickly. He couldn't allow that man to continue his search. If that talisman completed its effect, its location would be revealed.

With a swift motion, Han Feng took a disruption Gu from his spatial ring. This Gu, when activated, created an energy pulse that destabilized nearby spiritual techniques. With a slight squeeze, he infused Qi into the Gu and launched it towards the opponent.

A blue flash exploded in the air.

The man in black robes staggered back, his talisman shattering into fragments. His gaze quickly rose, sweeping the surroundings in search of the one responsible for the attack.

Han Feng was already on the move.

The Confrontation in the Shadows

The forest became a silent battlefield. Han Feng emerged from the darkness with a palm infused with chaotic Qi. His strike hit the air beside the black figure, who dodged at the last moment with surprising speed.

— So, you really were here — murmured the stranger, his eyes glowing like embers.

Han Feng did not respond. Instead, he gathered energy in his body and activated the Spectral Void Palm, a technique that left illusory remnants of his attack, confusing the opponent's senses.

The dark figure tried to block, but the palm passed through his body, hitting him from behind. He spat out a mouthful of blood and took a few steps back, his eyes now full of caution.

— Interesting... you are not an ordinary cultivator.

Han Feng remained silent. His goal was not to talk – it was to eliminate any threat before it could alert others.

Without hesitation, he advanced again.

This time, he channeled his energy into the Dual Chaos Larva Gu, which shone within his dantian. He felt the chaotic energy expand within him, blending with his Qi. His next attack would be devastating.

With a silent roar, he shot forward, his palm covered by a dense and dark mist. The man in black robes widened his eyes and tried to conjure a barrier, but it was too late.

Han Feng hit him directly in the chest.

The impact sent waves of energy throughout the area. Trees were uprooted and stones flew in all directions. The dark figure fell heavily to the ground, coughing up blood.

But Han Feng didn't let his guard down.

He walked slowly to the wounded man and placed his foot on his chest.

— Who sent you? — Han Feng asked, his voice cold.

The man laughed, despite the evident pain.

— You... are playing with fire. You have no idea who's behind this.

Han Feng narrowed his eyes. He knew that there was a powerful organization behind the search for the Celestial Diagram, but this was the first time he faced one of its agents directly.

"I won't ask again," said Han Feng, increasing the pressure on the man's chest.

The stranger shuddered but maintained the smile.

— You will find out for yourself... soon.

Before Han Feng could react, the man's body began to shine with a black glow. His Qi collapsed and, in the blink of an eye, he disintegrated into shadow particles.

Han Feng immediately recoiled, feeling a shiver down his spine.

The man had self-destructed to avoid being interrogated.

The Danger Increases

Han Feng remained there for a few moments, observing the ashes that remained. He knew that this was a clear message: they were willing to do anything to keep their secrets hidden.

"This means I'm on the right track."

He wiped the blood from his hands and turned, disappearing into the darkness once more. Now, more than ever, he needed to strengthen himself in secret. The shadows around him were moving, and he needed to be ready for what was to come.

The game of shadows had begun – and Han Feng could not lose.