Chapter 178: Heist

Star Luo City, in a traditional looking building with food stalls placed along the narrow cobblestone streets, lanterns swaying gently in the breeze, was bustling with activity.

The sweet aroma of grilled skewers, fresh steamed buns, and fragrant soups wafted through the air as citizens of Star Luo City wandered from stall to stall, enjoying the vibrant evening market.

An ordinary old man with a hunched back and a walking cane in hand walked the street near the traditional looking building, looking jovial as he chuckled and greeted the shopkeepers.

But as he headed towards the traditional building and past the shopkeeper near it, his demeanor inexplicably changed.

His eyes showed a cold sharpness that didn't fit an old man and his jovial smile faded, replaced by a stern, calculating expression.

Without glancing at the shopkeeper, he then spoke, "Are the preparations going well?"

The shopkeeper slightly lowered his head and replied respectfully, "Yes, elder Ma. Many body doubles and class 7 stationary soul cannon shells have been sent out to stall for your safe passage."

"Good."

This seemingly frail and ordinary old man was teacher Ma, or Elder Ma as he's known in the Illustrious Virtue Hall, the instructor of the Sun Moon Imperial Academy's representative team for the tournament.

After successfully purchasing and securing the hundred-thousand-year-old soul beast embryo from the Starlight Auction, Elder Ma had ensured the highest level of precaution for its transport.

He knew how valuable and dangerous such an item was, both to his empire and the rivals that would stop at nothing to seize it.

Which is why he had to use this disguise, using a Class 6 Demonic Face Mask and Class 7 Body Reconstructor that was the cane in his hand. He had to make sure no one except his allies would recognize him.

As he approached the traditional building, he discreetly surveyed the surroundings, aware that enemies could be lurking in the shadows, waiting for an opportunity to strike.

"Elder Ma, the transport team is ready," a voice came from the shadows of the alley nearby. Another figure, cloaked in dark robes, emerged briefly before bowing and stepping back.

Elder Ma gave a single nod. "Good. Make sure that no one traces us back to the Sun Moon Empire. The safety of the embryo is paramount. Activate the diversion plan immediately."

"Yes, elder!" The shadows in the alley shifted as the figure vanished as quickly as he had appeared.

Elder Ma continued his pace towards the traditional building, each step measured, calculated. His mind was already racing through the potential threats, backup plans, and escape routes.

The diversion plan would send decoys all over the city, creating chaos and confusion, but the real mission was much more subtle.

He entered the building, which was quiet and unassuming from the outside, but once inside, it was a different world. Hidden chambers, secret passageways, and advanced security measures were in place, all designed to protect the valuable cargo.

The Sun Moon Empire had a secret passageway in the Star Luo City, the capital of the Star Luo Empire.

It was a clandestine network, carefully constructed and hidden over the years, buried beneath layers of cobblestone and buildings that blended seamlessly into the city. This passageway connected to key locations, allowing for discrete movement in and out of the city—perfect for high-stakes operations like this one.

Unfortunately for them, it wouldn't be useful during wartime as the secret passageway wasn't sustainable enough for large-scale troop movements or prolonged supply lines.

It was a tool meant for covert operations, not open conflict.

The passageways were narrow and designed for small groups or individuals to move swiftly and unseen, but trying to move an army through them would be a logistical nightmare.

This limitation didn't matter now, though. For this particular mission, where stealth and discretion were paramount, it was perfect.

"Elder Ma," A trusted group of soul engineers awaited him inside, each ready to escort the embryo back to the Sun Moon Empire. They were some of the most elite in the Illustrious Virtue Hall; most being Class 7 Soul Engineers and three Class 8 Soul Engineers.

With him being a Class 8 Soul Engineer as well, this kind of lineup was enough to deter most Titled Douluos with the soul tool's they had in hand.

Because this was an abrupt operation, Elder Ma had only managed to get people who were available, so he wasn't able to call in Class 9 Soul Engineers to help him.

'But this should be okay, as long as we execute the plan flawlessly.' Elder Ma thought to himself as he approached the group.

With a smirk on his face, he shed the disguise he had—revealing a tall and muscular man in his fifties with a curly beard. His short white hair resembles steel needles, and the hairs on his temples, along with his curly beard made him seem impressively terrifying.

He took out a tall round hat and cigar out of his storage-type soul tool. Putting on the hat, he then lit up the cigar.

"Ah, that feels much better." Elder Ma chuckled, puffing out smoke.

Despite the gravity of the situation, his confidence remained steady. After all, with their expertise and high-level soul tools, even powerful Titled Douluos would think twice before engaging them.

The soul engineers were already running final checks on their equipment, ensuring that every soul tool was fully charged and ready for deployment.

"Is the passageway to our glorious homeland clear?" Elder Ma asked, his tone casual but his gaze sharp.

A Class 8 Soul Engineer stepped forward, "Yes, elder. We've ensured that the passageway is secure. There are no obstructions or surprises awaiting us."

"Excellent," Elder Ma replied, nodding in satisfaction. "Then let's proceed. We have a tight window before the diversion plan reaches its peak and the city is engulfed in chaos. We must be out before any suspicion is raised."

The soul engineers gathered their equipment and formed a protective formation around Elder Ma who had the hundred thousand year old soul beast embryo in his storage-type soul tool. They moved with practiced efficiency, knowing that one mistake could spell disaster.

Elder Ma grinned, feeling a surge of excitement. The precision and secrecy of their operation were unparalleled, and he had every confidence in their ability to execute it flawlessly.

Everything was going according to plan.

Bzzt—

"Hm?" Elder Ma frowned and took out a small, rectangular shaped soul tool that had a 4x4 inched light soul screen with a seven-inch stick from its upper right corner embedded in it.

The device was one of many prototypes of creating a soul tool that can communicate with another person from far away.

This one was the latest communication soul tool, it was at the level of Class 7, it was capable of sending and receiving long-distance messages, approximately 6 kilometers away from someone, in real-time, a significant leap in communication technology within the Sun Moon Empire.

As Elder Ma activated the screen, a panicking male voice sounded out.

"S-Sir! There's trouble!" The voice was the same person that had talked to him in the alley.

That person was a secret elite close-combat soul engineer that specializes in espionage, assassination and information gathering. They were at least Class 7 Soul Engineers, or Soul Sages.

This elite's previous calm demeanor had been replaced by fear, which immediately put Elder Ma on high alert.

"What happened?" Elder Ma demanded, his voice cutting through the panic like a sharp blade.

"The decoys.... most of them had been neutralized far too quickly! Plus, the stationary soul cannon shells haven't activated as well!"

"What?! Which scums decided to scheme against us? Star Luo? Heavenly Soul? Dou Ling? Or is it Shrek Academy?!" Elder Ma's face became slightly pale at the latter.

Even though soul tools has advanced significantly, high level soul masters still have an advantage against soul engineers.

Especially people from Shrek Academy, who are all complete monsters.

'If even a single Titled Douluo from Shrek Academy comes after us...' Elder Ma silently swallowed, breaking out in cold sweat.

"There were explosions that caused a disturbance in the city, but it definitely didn't sound like it came from our men or any of the other people we were monitoring on."

"You don't know? How is that possible?! Aren't you and your men the best in terms of information gathering and covert operations? How could you not figure out who's behind this?" Elder Ma barked, his voice tinged with frustration. The stakes were too high for uncertainty.

"S-Sir! We are still investigating! But the speed and precision of the attacks... it's as if they knew our plan in advance," the voice on the other end stammered.

Elder Ma clenched his fists, smoke from his cigar curling up into the air. If someone had gotten wind of their operation, it meant that either there was a leak, or they were up against an enemy far more cunning and resourceful than expected.

"Get me more details, now, and make sure no one else get anywhere near the passageway!" he ordered sharply before cutting off the communication. He couldn't afford to lose control of the situation.

"Yes, sir." Was it just him, or did the voice on the other hand suddenly sounded a bit....off?

Elder Ma shook his head, it might've been the man's nerves or something.

Turning to the soul engineers, Elder Ma's expression was grim but resolute. "We've got trouble. The diversion plan might not buy us enough time. Increase the pace and stay on high alert."

The soul engineers nodded in unison, their movements becoming faster but still controlled. The gravity of the situation wasn't lost on any of them. They knew that the stakes were life and death—not just for them, but for the future of one of the most talented individual in the Sun Moon Empire.

Xiao Hongchen was their Sun Moon Imperial Academy's greatest genius, although there had been cases of soul engineers that are as talented as a soul master with some ending up as Titled Douluos, the boy was the exception.

He was the brightest star in their empire, one that would one day leave his mark in history.

Elder Ma inwardly scoffed at the thought of the arrogant and pretentious boy leaving his mark in history, but he certainly had the qualifications.

But he didn't care, he was only doing this for his own benefits.

As when he succeeds in delivering this treasure, he and his family would receive great support from Xiao Hongchen grandfather—the Hallmaster of Illustrious Virtue Hall, one of the most well-known people in the empire.

As they entered the secret passageway, the walls seemed to close in around them. Elder Ma's senses were on high alert, every footstep echoing ominously.

He couldn't shake the feeling that something—or someone—was watching them, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

They were deep within the passageway when all of a sudden, low rumble reverberated through the walls. Elder Ma halted, his eyes and the rest widened in shock.

The walls, ground and ceiling trembled as the earth a few feet before them split and created a new "wall", blocking their path entirely.

Dust and debris filled the air as the once stable passageway became a perilous trap.

"W-What? What happened?"

"The ground shifted and caved us in...? No, this is clearly a man-made crafted wall! Is it a soul skill?!"

"That means someone other than us is here!"

"Circle and protect Elder Ma!"

The soul engineers quickly formed a defensive stance, soul rings arose beneath their feet and their soul tools hummed to life, ready for whatever was coming.

Elder Ma, though shocked, remained calm under pressure. He gritted his teeth and assessed the situation.

"Who's there! Come out now, and I'll promise to give you a peaceful death!" He took a step forward and activated his martial soul; his features became animalistic, white fur started to sprout along his body, his limbs elongating and thickening with raw muscle. His eyes gleamed with an eerie red glow, resembling that of a predator.

This was Elder Ma's martial soul, Devil Snow Wolf; a rare soul beast among snow/ice-type soul beasts in the world. They are known to live in extremely cold environments unlike most wolf species, Devil Snow Wolves are solitary hunters who are infamous for their intelligence and speed—capable of even hunting older soul beasts.

Eight soul rings surrounded Elder Ma: yellow, yellow, purple, purple, purple, black, black, black—they swirled around him, radiating a powerful aura that filled the narrow passageway. He released his dark-blue soul power, causing the air to chill as the temperature around him plummeted.

Suddenly, a deep, almost mocking laugh echoed from the shadows.

"You dare use the power of ice, before this emperor?" Behind the group of soul engineers, a tall figure emerged from the shadows.

Clad in dark clothes that seemed to absorb the very light around him, the white mask the figure wore glinted ominously in the dim light. The mask, adorned with a simple swirl-like design and two eyeholes that showed terrifying blood-red eyes with strange pupils that terrified Elder Ma and the soul engineers.

It was like he could see through their very souls.

The man appeared unassuming from a distance, he didn't have a weapon on hand, he didn't show his martial soul, and he appeared to be alone.

And yet, Elder Ma and the group of soul engineers were trembling in fear.

There was just this sort of aura around the mysterious man that seemed to nullify any sense of confidence or security they might have had. His presence exuded an overwhelming pressure that made the very air feel thick and oppressive.

Elder Ma's expression shifted from anger to a cautious, almost wary recognition. He had seen many powerful figures in his time, but something about this person was different—almost otherworldly.

"Who are you?" Elder Ma demanded, his voice steadier now despite the trepidation he felt. "What do you want?"

The masked figure tilted his head slightly, briefly remaining silent. "....I have no name, I have long since discarded my past for the sake of my mission." he said in a deep and indifferent voice.

"Though, if you wish to call me something by—I am a ghost, of a long forgotten clan that had once dominated the world."

"I am, the Ghost of the Uchiha."

'Uchiha? A long forgotten clan that had dominated the world?!' Elder Ma's eyes widened.

There had been many ancient and powerful families in the world, but there had not been a single one that had claimed to have dominated the world once.

Even the Sun Moon Empire didn't have such a family.

It could've been a bluff, but something in the figure's demeanor made Elder Ma hesitate.

'Was there really an Uchiha Clan?'

Elder Ma narrowed his eyes and curled his claws, although he had many questions, he didn't forget about his main goal. "Ghost of the Uchiha, may I ask what your intentions for getting in our way?"

"Is it not obvious?" The Ghost of the Uchiha placed his hand over his mask, his eyes gleamed with a sinister light. "I'm here for the embryo. Hand it over, and I might let you and your people leave alive."

Elder Ma's face darkened. "Do you think you can just walk in here and take what you want? Do you have any idea who you're dealing with?"

The Ghost of the Uchiha's eyes narrowed, their crimson gaze unwavering. "I know exactly what I'm dealing with. The real question is whether you can defend what's precious to you."

.....

AN: It's my birthday! Well, it was yesterday(September 17) but I forgot to announce it. Anyways, ate a lot, partied a bit, and feeling lazy/drunk afterwards...ah, what a great day.

And I did something a bit stupid. I was showing off my Genshin Impact account to my friends yesterday and I...I gave into the temptation and spent the saved up intertwined fates to get that C2 Raiden!

Results: I got a C1 Raiden, and C2 Jean. I was saving them for either Xilonen and Mavuika...

And I ain't spending a freaking peso on that game unless my monthly in P.a.t.r.e.o.n reaches $1,000! My will is still strong!!

❄️Shout out to the great Cultivators of my patreon, may you reach the peak of the heavens and conquer the earth! Pursue immortality and receive enlightenment!

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❄️A bigger shout out to the ones who ascended to become a One Above All!! The GOATS! THE MAJESTIES!!

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