Night blanketed Glory City in deep shadow.
Ling Tian and Xiao Ning'er crouched at the edge of the Sacred Family estate, eyes locked on the towering walls and guarded gates. Every torch flicker, every guard's patrol was burned into Ling Tian's mind.
"This is it," he whispered, gaze sharp. "The vault is hidden beneath the main hall. That's where Shen Yue keeps his records."
Xiao Ning'er nodded, tightening her grip on her spear. "I'll cover the west wing. Draw them out."
Ling Tian's eyes darkened with concern. "We split for only ten minutes—then meet inside."
She smiled, fierce and unwavering. "We've got this."
Moments later, the plan snapped into motion.
Xiao Ning'er's spear arced through the night, slamming into the outer wall with a loud crack—an explosion of force that sent guards scrambling toward the commotion.
Ling Tian seized the opening, his figure a blur of shadow as he slipped through the breached perimeter. Silent, precise.
He moved like a ghost through the Sacred Family compound, slipping past guards, weaving between columns, every sense razor-sharp.
Finally, he reached the entrance to the vault—a massive iron door inscribed with glowing seals.
Perfect, he thought grimly. A soul lock.
Reaching into his sleeve, Ling Tian produced a jade token—something he'd painstakingly forged over weeks of preparation. His fingers danced across its surface, channeling soul force into its core.
A soft click.
The seals shimmered—then faded.
He was in.
The vault was dim, lined with ancient scrolls and jade slips. Ling Tian's eyes scanned quickly, fingers trailing across spines until—there. A scroll marked with the Sacred Family's blood-red insignia.
He unrolled it, his eyes narrowing as damning words leapt out:
Deal with Dark Guild. Plans to destabilise Glory City. Elimination orders: Nie Li, Xiao Ning'er, Ling Tian.
His jaw clenched. Got you.
Suddenly—footsteps. Rapid. Closing in.
Ling Tian snatched the scroll and pressed against the wall, slipping into the narrowest shadow as two elite guards burst in, blades drawn.
"Vault's been breached!" one barked. "Fan out!"
Ling Tian's heart hammered—but his breathing stayed calm, his body still.
The guards moved deeper into the vault… past him.
Now.
In a flash, he was gone—slipping out and back into the night.
Outside, Xiao Ning'er was already waiting at their rendezvous point, breathless but unharmed.
"Got it?" she asked.
Ling Tian held up the scroll, eyes blazing with victory. "We've got everything."
But even as relief washed over them, a chill ran down Ling Tian's spine.
He glanced back at the estate—knowing this was only the beginning.
"We need to move—fast."
And together, they vanished into the night, the weight of destiny pressing ever heavier on their shoulders.