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The city of Liangfeng had never looked so calm in the early morning. Faint wisps of smoke curled from the chimneys of small houses as merchants began setting up their stalls along the cobbled streets. Tang Ren's eyes were sharp as he led his younger sister, Tang Mei, through the narrow pathways. She held his hand tightly, her small fingers gripping his like a lifeline. Her large, curious eyes scanned the streets with awe, taking in the colorful banners fluttering in the gentle breeze and the aromatic scents of medicinal herbs and spices from nearby stalls. "Brother, look at that!" Tang Mei whispered excitedly, pointing at a display of rare herbs laid out on a table. Tang Ren's eyes followed hers calmly. "Yes," he replied softly, "but observe first. Learn their patterns. Understand before touching." Tang Mei frowned slightly but nodded obediently. She had always trusted her brother, even when she didn't fully understand his words.
Tang Ren's shadow flickered subtly at his feet, coiling lightly as if sensing every faint ripple of energy in the air. The city's people, though unaware of the Tang family's full capabilities, could feel an unusual aura emanating from him. Whispers followed their passage. "Is that… the Tang boy?" one cultivator muttered under his breath. Another replied, voice trembling, "They say he's already a Dou Ancestor. Only seventeen, and yet…" Tang Ren ignored them, his expression calm and collected, every movement precise, almost fluid. The shadows around him seemed to pulse softly in response to the city's subtle energies, a quiet signal of the power he held beneath the surface.
Tang Mei skipped forward, her excitement pulling Tang Ren along as he analyzed the paths ahead. His mind was already calculating potential threats, observing hidden traps or minor defensive formations that might have been left without thought. "Brother," Tang Mei said softly, "can we go see Aunt Yun Yun now?" Tang Ren's eyes softened for a moment as he glanced at her. "Yes, soon," he replied, keeping his tone even. He had learned long ago that patience often prevented disaster.
The outskirts of Liangfeng were quieter than the bustling streets, and the modest house where Aunt Yun Yun lived appeared almost hidden among the small trees and gardens. As they approached, Tang Ren's senses picked up faint traces of lingering Dou Qi, small formations meant to guard the property subtly. Nothing hostile, but enough to show someone had been cautious. Tang Mei ran ahead, her small form moving swiftly toward the door, leaving Tang Ren to move at a more measured pace.
Inside, the familiar scent of herbs and incense welcomed them. Aunt Yun Yun, surprised at first, quickly smiled and rose to her feet. "Tang Ren… Tang Mei… you've grown," she said softly. Tang Mei immediately hugged her aunt, her warmth and innocence lighting the room with happiness. Tang Ren stayed slightly back, quietly scanning the surroundings. Every corner, every shadow, every faint energy fluctuation registered in his mind. His presence was calm, but beneath it, a controlled power simmered.
Ling Xia, Aunt Yun Yun's apprentice, appeared quietly, her eyes widening slightly at Tang Ren. "He's… only a child?" she whispered to herself. Tang Ren ignored the whisper, his attention divided between his immediate surroundings and the faint traces of energy he could sense outside. His shadow coiled subtly, as if listening for disturbances beyond normal perception.
"Is the path to the city secure?" Tang Ren asked finally, voice calm. Aunt Yun Yun nodded. "Yes, though with the upcoming marriage, patrols are minimal. The city is calm, but careful movements are necessary." Tang Ren's shadow flickered in response. "We prepare quietly. No exposure. If anyone approaches, we will handle it." Tang Mei, sensing the tension but not fully understanding, asked, "Brother… will we fight today?" Tang Ren crouched slightly to meet her eyes, his expression gentle but serious. "Not today. We observe. Tomorrow, if necessary, we act."
Throughout the morning, Tang Ren guided Tang Mei, allowing her to explore while keeping a protective shadow around both of them. He noted the layout of the city, potential escape routes, merchant alliances, and the subtle ebb and flow of local energy patterns. He quietly taught his sister how to sense energy fluctuations, how to notice hidden defenses or traps without directly confronting them. By noon, Tang Ren had already established several contingency plans, should anything go wrong during the upcoming wedding.
As the sun began to set, the city's shadows lengthened, blending with the lingering shadows of Tang Ren's own Dou Qi. Even in the fading light, his presence was unmistakable to those sensitive to energy. Soul Hall's scouts in the distance noted a disturbance, their eyes narrowing at the faint Dou Ancestor-level aura. "They've arrived earlier than expected," one muttered. "Power… significant," another added, voice trembling slightly. Tang Ren's shadow pulsed subtly, though he remained motionless, silent, and observant.
Tang Mei yawned and rested her head on his shoulder as they returned to Aunt Yun Yun's house. "Brother…" she whispered, sleepy and innocent. "Will we be safe?" Tang Ren's hand brushed gently through her hair. "Yes," he said softly. "I will protect you. No one will harm you or Aunt Yun Yun." Outside, Liangfeng lay quiet, unaware that shadows had gathered silently around the city streets. Invisible guardians, silent and deadly, watched over the Tang family.
The first day passed with calm observation, preparation, and subtle instruction. Tang Ren's mind was already calculating the events that the next day might bring. The marriage would attract attention, and with attention came danger. His sister's innocence and his aunt's vulnerability had to be shielded at all costs. The shadows surrounding him seemed almost alive, responding to his will and weaving a protective barrier, ready to strike at a moment's notice.
Night fell, and Tang Ren continued his quiet vigilance. Even in sleep, he maintained a low level of Dou Qi circulation, his shadow stretching into the corners of the room like a living shield. Liangfeng's streets lay silent under the moonlight, but Tang Ren knew that true calm never lasted. The city's people remained oblivious to the fact that a hidden power had taken root among them, quietly shaping their destiny.
By the end of the night, Tang Ren had already mentally rehearsed multiple scenarios for the upcoming events. He considered patrol routes, likely interference from Soul Hall, the potential for traps around the wedding site, and even the possibility that Xiao Yan himself might detect their presence. Yet, Tang Ren remained calm. His strength was formidable, but he would not reveal it unnecessarily. Observation, patience, and timing would be his greatest weapons.
As the moon hung high, Tang Mei slept soundly, her head against her brother's chest. Tang Ren's eyes scanned the night outside, shadow and Dou Qi subtly interwoven, protecting, observing, and waiting. The first day had passed. Tomorrow would bring challenges, confrontation, and revelation. But Tang Ren was ready, and no one in Liangfeng, no matter how powerful, would see the full extent of his true strength
End of the chapter 5 .