Chapter 16 - Veil of Shadows (1)
The days blurred together, a whirlwind of research, planning, and anticipation. Li Wei, Zhang Tao, and Hua Jian immersed themselves in The Maker's tasks, each one leading them deeper into the supernatural underbelly of Shanghai.
As they gathered around the scarred wooden table in their makeshift headquarters, the heart of eternity sat before them, pulsing with an otherworldly energy. It was a reminder of their progress, a testament to the challenges they had overcome.
"Now that we possess the heart," Zhang Tao mused, his fingers tracing the intricate patterns etched into the artifact's surface, "we must consider how to approach the Maker's second task."
Hua Jian's gaze was unwavering, his stance resolute. "We can't afford to underestimate the dangers that lie ahead," he cautioned. "The supernatural world is fraught with perils, and we must be prepared."
Li Wei nodded in agreement, her mind already racing with possibilities. "We'll need to gather information, assess potential risks, and plan our approach carefully. This task could hold the key to finding Mei Ling."
But Li Wei faced a pressing dilemma. Her network of contacts in the mundane world was crucial, but with her current appearance mirroring Mei Ling's, she needed to find a way to maintain those connections without revealing the supernatural reality they grappled with.
Zhang Tao, sensing her frustration, approached her with a stack of aged parchments. "These are incantations," he explained, his voice a low rumble in the dimly lit room. "They'll allow you to cast a temporary glamour. It should suffice for brief encounters."
Li Wei's gratitude washed over her. "Thank you, Zhang Tao. This... This is invaluable."
As she studied the incantations, Hua Jian entered, his eyes focused and intense. "I've scouted the locations and found a lead for the second task. They're nestled in the heart of the old town. It's a place steeped in history, and shadows hold sway there."
Li Wei nodded, her mind already racing. "Good work, Hua Jian. I'll depart at first light."
The following morning, Li Wei stood at the threshold of the old town, the air heavy with the scent of ancient stone and forgotten stories. The cobbled streets twisted and turned, revealing hidden courtyards and winding alleyways. Shanghai's modern facade seemed a world away.
Her heart pounded in her chest, a mixture of apprehension and determination. With the glamour in place, no one will notice anything untoward in her speech, mannerisms and the line of questioning.
As she navigated the labyrinthine streets, she relied on her contacts in the mundane world. The flower vendor, Mrs. Chen, was her first stop. A kind, elderly woman with a penchant for gossip, Mrs. Chen's stall had been a wellspring of information in the past.
Approaching with a tentative smile, Li Wei feigned casual conversation. "Good morning, Mrs. Chen. How have the lilies been faring?"
Mrs. Chen peered at her, squinting through the morning light. "Ah, Mei Ling! You're looking radiant as ever. The lilies? Oh, they're stubborn as always. But a bit of coaxing and they'll bloom, mark my words."
As Li Wei continued the conversation, she subtly wove in questions about Mei Ling's, in Li Wei's body, recent whereabouts. Mrs. Chen's gossip mill proved invaluable, and Li Wei departed with a lead—a name, a place, a hint of Mei Ling's elusive trail.
Next on her list was Old Mr. Wu, the proprietor of a tea house tucked away in a quiet corner of the old town. He was a sage in his own right, his knowledge of the city's history a treasure trove for those who sought it.
Li Wei entered the tranquil haven, the scent of jasmine tea mingling with the earthy aroma of aged wood. "Good day, Mr. Wu," she greeted, her voice steady. "I've heard rumors of ancient relics surfacing in these parts. Do you know anything of it?"
Mr. Wu, his eyes twinkling with mischief, beckoned her closer. "Mei Ling, you have a keen nose for stories. Yes, there have been whispers. Come, sit, and I shall regale you with tales of artifacts that defy time."
As Li Wei listened to Mr. Wu's tales, she gleaned morsels of information that hinted at Mei Ling's path. The threads were delicate, but they wove a tapestry of clues that brought her one step closer.
With each encounter, Li Wei honed her ability to navigate the mundane world in Mei Ling's form. The glamour held, and her contacts remained oblivious to the supernatural truth that lay beneath the surface.
As the day waned and the old town cast long shadows, Li Wei returned to their headquarters, a sense of quiet satisfaction settling over her. She had gathered the some pieces of the puzzle, and now, with Zhang Tao and Hua Jian at her side, they would forge ahead, guided by the whispers of Shanghai's hidden history.