Chapter 12 – Whispers Etched in Steel
Su Chen turned the assassin's dagger over in his hand. Under normal sight, it looked like any other high-grade killing tool—cold, sharp, and forged for silence. But under Object Truth Vision, faint glyphs shimmered beneath the metal's surface like veins pulsing with secrets.
"There's something inside it," he murmured.
Yun Mei leaned closer, her violet eyes narrowing. "A seal script? No… it's too ancient."
Lei Xinyue brushed her fingers along the flat of the blade, her spiritual sense tracing the hidden lines. "This wasn't meant to be seen unless by someone with your kind of vision."
Su Chen sank his consciousness deeper, peeling away the dagger's layers like sheets of illusion. And then he found it—
A message carved with microscopic spiritual strokes:
"Second Vessel Awakener identified. Eliminate before the Lunar Trial. – Shadow Pavilion"
Yun Mei stiffened. "Second Vessel… that's you."
Lei Xinyue's tone sharpened. "Shadow Pavilion moving this early? Why would they target someone still in Outer Sect status?"
Su Chen closed his fist around the dagger.
Because someone powerful wanted him erased—someone inside the sect who had fed information to the Shadow Pavilion.
A hidden faction… watching him.
He exhaled slowly. "I need strength—and contribution points. Staying weak is what they want."
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Mission Hall, Azure Sky Sect
The Mission Hall bustled with disciples shouting, bargaining, and scrambling for assignments before they were taken. Stone boards floated in the air, glowing softly as mission listings updated every few breaths.
Yun Mei nudged him. "Remember, pick something that gives spirit stones, not just contribution points."
Lei Xinyue crossed her arms. "But don't pick something reckless. You're already targeted."
Su Chen scanned the missions:
Hunt Iron-Fang Wolves – 50 CP + 2 spirit stones
Escort herbs shipment – 30 CP
Clear Ghost Mist Grove – 120 CP
Investigate disappearances near Fallen Jade Stream – 90 CP + 5 spirit stones
Then he saw one that made his eyes narrow:
"Shadow traces found near Fallen Jade Stream—possible infiltrators. Danger high."
Reward: 150 CP + 10 spirit stones.
Perfect.
A direct trail toward whoever was behind the ambush.
Lei Xinyue's face paled. "Su Chen, that's suicidal."
But Yun Mei met his gaze and understood instantly. "They attacked him once. He wants answers."
Su Chen placed his hand on the mission tablet.
It glowed, confirming his acceptance.
"I won't hide," he said quietly. "If they come for me, I'll go for them first."
Both girls exchanged looks— worry mixed with determination.
Lei Xinyue: "Then we're going with you. Don't even try arguing."
Yun Mei: "If the enemy wants to hunt you—let them face all three of us."
Su Chen allowed a rare smile to break through.
"Then let's earn some spirit stones… and uncover who's pulling the strings."
As they walked out of the Mission Hall, none noticed the cloaked figure watching from the shadows, lips curling into a chilling smile—
"The boy took the bait. Good."
The hidden faction had already set the next trap.
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