Chapter 38: Encounter with Traitors in the Dark

Chapter 38: Encounter with Traitors in the Dark

Walking through the pitch-black forest, Eli Mason kept his senses sharp. To an ordinary person, the path might have been a blur, but to Eli, it was as clear as day. His caution wasn't due to the threat of wild animals but rather a habit he had developed over time.

Since Seven Mysteries Sect had moved to the Rainbow Mountains, the once abundant wildlife had been hunted to near extinction by the disciples. Even venomous snakes had mostly ended up as meals. This vigilance was not innate but a skill Eli had honed after his harrowing escape from Doctor Mo. He knew that being constantly alert could save him from many unforeseen dangers.

The mountain wind seemed to be growing stronger, whistling through the trees in eerie, haunting tones. Eli sensed that he was nearing the edge of the forest. He let out a sigh of relief, eager to leave the oppressive darkness behind. Quickening his pace, he took longer strides, anxious to be out of the woods.

Suddenly, a strong gust of wind blew directly into his face. Eli stopped abruptly, sensing something amiss. He tilted his head, straining to listen. A moment later, his expression turned serious. He could hear faint footsteps approaching, though the walkers were still some distance away. It was clear there were two people, and they were heading straight toward him.

With cat-like agility, Eli darted into the dense foliage beside the path, hiding behind a large tree. He crouched down, curling into a small ball, making sure his body was completely concealed.

Finding a good hiding spot, Eli calmed himself. He wasn't being paranoid; it was highly unusual for two people to be wandering in such a remote area at this time of night. They were likely up to no good, and he had no intention of getting involved in whatever shady business they were conducting.

"Who could it be?" Eli wondered, his heart pounding. The dark forest seemed to amplify every sound, each rustle of leaves and snap of twigs echoing ominously in the still night. His mind raced with possibilities, none of them good.

"… down the mountain … arrangements … timing … the men … the boss …"

Fragments of conversation, carried by the wind, reached Eli's ears. Although most of the words were lost in the gusts, the few that he did catch made his heart race. The mention of a "boss" in this context could only refer to one person: "Golden Wolf" Jia Tianlong, the infamous leader of the Wild Wolf Gang and a sworn enemy of the Seven Mysteries Sect.

Jia Tianlong was a name that struck fear into the hearts of the sect's disciples. Rumors painted him as a monstrous figure, a brute who feasted on human flesh and drank human blood. However, according to Eli's friend Lucas, the truth was far less dramatic. Jia Tianlong was actually a lean, handsome man in his early thirties, but his ruthless nature was very real. This discrepancy between rumor and reality made the threat no less severe.

Eli's mind raced as he recalled the stories about Jia Tianlong. He curled himself tighter behind the tree, barely daring to breathe. The two men approaching were undoubtedly spies for the Wild Wolf Gang, and getting discovered would mean certain death.

"… plan … must … the list … soon …"

The voices grew clearer, the men drawing closer. Eli held his breath, knowing that any sound might give away his position. The two men were discussing something crucial, and from the fragments he could hear, it was clear they were planning something big against the Seven Mysteries Sect.

As the voices faded into the distance, Eli remained hidden for several minutes, ensuring the men were truly gone. Only when he was certain did he cautiously rise from his hiding spot. He had narrowly escaped a deadly encounter, and the realization sent a shiver down his spine.

Standing still, Eli thought about what he had overheard. The mention of a plan involving a list was troubling. The Wild Wolf Gang was up to something, and it was likely to be devastating for his sect. He couldn't ignore this information.

Even more unsettling was recognizing one of the voices. Despite only having met him a couple of times, Eli's exceptional memory had identified the speaker: the seemingly harmless steward of the sect's kitchen. The man was known for his shrewdness and love of petty profits, traits that had now taken on a far more sinister light.

Reflecting on this revelation, Eli's mind raced. The steward's role allowed him to move freely between the sect and the outside world, making him the perfect spy. It was a clever disguise, but now Eli knew the truth.

As he stood there, deep in thought, the forest seemed to close in around him. The wind's howling grew louder, and the trees swayed ominously. Eli knew he had to report what he had learned, but he needed to do it carefully. There was no telling how deep the conspiracy ran or who else might be involved.

With a final glance at the path the spies had taken, Eli began his journey back to the valley. His steps were quick, but his mind was already planning his next move. The safety of the Seven Mysteries Sect depended on what he did next.

Emerging from the forest, Eli was greeted by the sight of the valley bathed in the soft glow of moonlight. He took a deep breath, filling his lungs with the cool, fresh air. The contrast between the oppressive darkness of the forest and the serene beauty of the valley was stark, but Eli couldn't afford to relax.

His mind buzzed with the information he had overheard. The implications were serious. If the Wild Wolf Gang's plan succeeded, the Seven Mysteries Sect could face unimaginable devastation. Eli's thoughts were interrupted by a rustling in the bushes nearby. He spun around, every muscle tensed, but it was just a rabbit, startled by his presence.

His nerves were frayed, but he couldn't let fear paralyze him. He had to act. With renewed determination, Eli quickened his pace. The moonlit path seemed to stretch endlessly before him, but he was driven by a sense of urgency.

The night air was cool against his skin, a welcome relief from the day's heat. His thoughts drifted back to Doctor Mo, the threats, and the mysterious man who always stood silently by the doctor's side. There was no doubt in Eli's mind that the sect was facing a grave threat, and he had a part to play in thwarting it.

As he neared the entrance to the valley, Eli slowed down. He needed to approach this delicately. Rushing in with accusations could backfire if the conspirators had allies within the sect. He had to find a way to discreetly alert the right people without tipping off the spies.

Crossing the threshold into the valley, Eli felt a sense of resolve settle over him. The Seven Mysteries Sect had become his home, and he would do whatever it took to protect it. He just hoped he wasn't already too late.