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Chapter 92: Shadows of Vengeance

[System Notification: Incoming Quest – "Unseen Enemy"]

[Objective: Investigate mysterious activity near the Li family estate. Cult operatives may be preparing a counterattack.]

[Reward: Phantom Step – A technique allowing temporary invisibility, useful for evading surveillance and ambushing enemies.]

Li Tian\'s gaze hardened. He knew he couldn\'t ignore this threat. If the Cult dared to approach his family\'s estate, they would face him directly.

Dressed in light armor under a dark cloak, Li Tian left his quarters and headed towards the edges of the estate, keeping his movements silent. The early morning fog hung low over the grounds, a quiet blanket that would mask any hidden foes. He moved swiftly, his senses honed and alert as he approached the bamboo forest bordering the estate.

Within moments, he sensed it—a faint pulse of energy that felt foreign. He pressed himself against a nearby tree, observing two figures clad in dark robes with concealed faces. They were murmuring in hushed tones, casting wary glances towards the Li family mansion.

He listened carefully, picking up fragments of their conversation.

"The ambush at the market failed, but Master Lei says we regroup and target the estate. If we remove him here, the Cult can reclaim Yunhai easily."

Li Tian\'s fists clenched. These men intended to target his family.

Emerging from the shadows, he called out, "Looking for someone?"

The two operatives spun around, their eyes wide with alarm. Without giving them a chance to react, Li Tian activated his Dragon Shadow Step, blurring forward as if one with the fog. His first strike landed squarely on one Cultist\'s chest, sending him crashing into a tree. The second operative tried to escape, but Li Tian\'s hand shot out, gripping his shoulder and immobilizing him.

"Now, you\'ll answer my questions," he said coldly, tightening his hold as the Cultist squirmed.

The Cultist\'s defiance quickly faded under Li Tian\'s unyielding gaze. "The Cult... they\'re coming. More will follow. You can\'t stop us all."

"Let them try," Li Tian replied, a dangerous glint in his eye. "Now, where is Master Lei hiding?"

The man hesitated, his face twisting with fear. "He\'s... he\'s using the abandoned mines east of Yunhai as his base. But even if you reach him, you won\'t leave alive."

Li Tian smirked. "We\'ll see about that."

With a swift blow, he rendered the Cultist unconscious and dragged both men towards the main gate. He would inform the guards to secure the perimeter around the estate. If the Cult was as bold as to stage another attack, he would ensure they paid dearly for it.

Back in the tea house, Li Tian gathered Liu Mei and the trusted allies who had fought with him at the market. They listened intently as he explained the new threat.

"So, they\'ve regrouped," Liu Mei murmured, her brows knit in concern. "If we\'re going to strike, it should be soon, before they have time to plan a larger assault."

Li Tian nodded. "I\'m heading to the mines tonight. The Cult won\'t stop unless we hit their base and force them out of Yunhai for good. If any of you are willing, join me."

Zhou Ming\'s face lit with determination. "I\'m with you, Li Tian. The Cult has no place in this city, and I\'d be damned if I let them lay a hand on our people."

The rest echoed their agreement, each one committed to the mission.

As night fell, Li Tian and his allies approached the abandoned mines. The entrance was heavily guarded, with Cult operatives patrolling in organized intervals. Li Tian\'s mind sharpened as he reviewed their approach strategy, observing the layout and positioning of each guard.

He motioned for his allies to circle around the far side of the mines. Using the shadows to his advantage, Li Tian advanced towards the entrance, his steps soundless. A guard approached his position, and with a swift motion, Li Tian slipped behind him, covering his mouth and knocking him out.

Once the path was clear, he waved his hand, signaling the others to move forward. Liu Mei joined him, her dagger glinting in the moonlight as they crept deeper into the mines.

Inside, the tunnels were dimly lit by scattered torches, casting long, eerie shadows against the walls. They navigated the winding corridors in silence, staying alert for any sign of movement.

They reached a chamber where Master Lei stood with a circle of Cultists, each one engrossed in discussions of strategy and revenge. Lei\'s eyes narrowed as he caught sight of them, his expression twisting into a sneer.

"Well, if it isn\'t Yunhai\'s so-called hero," he drawled, a dark aura gathering around him. "You should have stayed out of our way, Li Tian."

Li Tian smiled, unfazed. "I could say the same to you. This ends here, Lei."

Lei raised his hand, and the Cultists moved forward, weapons drawn. But Li Tian\'s allies stepped in, meeting them head-on, weapons clashing as the fight erupted into chaos.

Li Tian advanced towards Lei, his movements fluid as he dodged each of Lei\'s attacks. The Cult leader\'s strikes were powerful, but Li Tian\'s mastery over his newly acquired techniques kept him ahead, sidestepping and countering each blow.

As Lei launched another attack, Li Tian activated his newly earned technique, Phantom Step. His form blurred, disappearing from Lei\'s line of sight, and reappeared behind him in an instant. With one decisive move, Li Tian struck Lei, sending him reeling.

"You think you\'re invincible, but you\'re just another pawn," Li Tian said, his tone cold.

Lei staggered, clutching his side as he glared at Li Tian. "The Cult... will rise again. Even if you kill me, we are everywhere."

"Then I\'ll destroy every last one of you."

With one final blow, Li Tian defeated Lei, watching as the Cult leader crumpled to the ground. The remaining Cultists, seeing their leader fall, scattered in terror, abandoning their positions and fleeing the mines.

When the battle ended, the allies regrouped, sharing a brief moment of relief as they surveyed the now-empty mines. Yunhai had been spared another strike, its people safe for the time being.

As they made their way back to the city, Li Tian\'s gaze remained sharp. He knew the Cult\'s influence ran deep, and while this victory was significant, the fight was far from over. Yet he was resolute, his allies at his side, and the strength of Yunhai supporting him.

The Cult had underestimated him. But now, they would know—Li Tian was a force to be reckoned with.