Chapter 25: Bait in the Shadows
Night falls on the Heavenly Sword Sect, but Liu Guan Yi's sword peak remains lit. A cold wind sweeps the training grounds as he draws a sword formation in the soil—eight sharp lines that pulse with quiet energy.
> "If they're watching," he mutters, "then I'll give them a show."
He plants the jade token Ji Ning gave him beside the formation. It glows faintly with the sect's authority. Then he vanishes into the shadows, hiding his presence.
Meanwhile, in a secluded mountain hall beneath the inner sect, several elders sit around a long stone table. Each bears the insignia of an elder, but their eyes burn with greed.
> "That boy found too much," says Elder Mo, the man with the flute from the forest. "We can't afford his interference."
> "He's Ji Ning's disciple," another growls. "Act too openly, and she'll slaughter us all."
But one elder leans forward—Elder Qiu, a seemingly kind alchemy elder whose name is known across the sect.
> "We don't need to kill him," he says. "We just need to… discredit him."
He lays out a plan to frame Liu Guan Yi for the disappearances, using false witnesses and planted talismans.
> "When the time is right, we'll make our move during the Inner Sect Banquet next week."
But unknown to them, a tiny sliver of spiritual sense—Liu Guan Yi's—clings to Elder Mo's flute.
Back on his peak, Liu Guan Yi opens his eyes slowly.
> "So that's your game."
He stands up, gaze deep and cold.
> "Good. Let's see who's really the hunter."
The next morning, he visits the girl who witnessed the robed figure. He gives her a small spirit charm.
> "If you feel anything strange, activate this. I'll be there."
Then, with a flick of his hand, he sets a new plan in motion.
He starts spreading rumors that he's returning to the village with new evidence, loud enough for anyone listening to hear.
> "If you want the bait, take it," he whispers to the wind. "I'm ready."