CHAPTER 118: RIPPLES THROUGH THE CITY

The morning after the clash with the Crimson Moon was anything but peaceful. News traveled faster than fire on dry grass—by dawn, whispers had already spread throughout the city.

"The Li family repelled an attack in the dead of night.""They say the Crimson Moon came for blood but were slaughtered instead.""Apparently... it was the bastard son, Li Tian, who held back their envoy!"

Every tea house and tavern brimmed with murmurs. Some dismissed the tale as exaggeration, but others swore on their lives that they had seen the red mist that painted the skies above the Li estate.

Within the Li family, the atmosphere was different. Elders and siblings gathered in the great hall, tension running thick. The clan could not simply ignore what had happened.

Li Feng sat at the head of the chamber, expression unreadable, but the faint gleam in his eyes betrayed pride. "The Crimson Moon made their move," he said firmly. "They underestimated us and paid the price. But it is not victory we should be celebrating—it is preparation. They will not stop here."

All eyes turned to Li Tian.

He leaned casually against a pillar, arms crossed, as if the night’s bloody battle had been nothing but a passing skirmish. His expression was calm, even indifferent, though his presence filled the hall.

"Father is right," he said lazily. "If they’re foolish enough to come again, I’ll just kill them again. Simple."

Several of his brothers scowled, jealousy burning in their eyes. The bastard who once stood beneath them now shone brighter than any of them could. Some clenched their fists, others looked away in silence.

Xu Fang, seated among the wives, glanced toward Li Tian. Though her face remained composed, her eyes glimmered with something else—pride mixed with a private warmth only she could understand. Beside her, Li Xue’s lips curved into a soft smile, admiration openly worn.

[System Notification: Quest Branch Activated — Political Ripples. Objective: Survive shifting tides as great families take interest in you. Reward: New Technique.]

Li Tian’s eyes flickered slightly at the system prompt, though he gave no outward reaction. So they’ll be coming now, will they? Perfect.

That afternoon, emissaries from two noble clans arrived at the Li estate under the pretense of offering gifts. Their words dripped with courtesy, but everyone could feel the weight of their curiosity—who was this "bastard son" who repelled a Crimson Moon envoy?

During the banquet, one elder leaned forward with a thin smile. "Young Master Li Tian... to stand against the Crimson Moon is no small feat. Tell me, where did you acquire such strength?"

Li Tian lifted his cup, sipping slowly before replying with a grin. "Talent. Something hard to buy, I hear."

The hall fell into silence before laughter burst from Li Feng, breaking the tension. Yet the elder’s eyes narrowed. It was clear: from this day on, Li Tian was marked not just by enemies, but by allies who feared and envied him alike.

That night, as the guests departed and silence settled over the estate, Li Tian returned to his courtyard. The moon hung pale above him, its light cutting through drifting mist.

[System Notification: New Quest — Blood Severing Practice. Requirement: Master the Blood Severing Palm by testing it against a living target within three days. Reward: Secret Art — Phantom Steps.]

Li Tian smirked, stretching his fingers as crimson Qi swirled faintly around his palm. "Three days, huh? Looks like I won’t be sleeping much."

From the shadows of the courtyard, Xu Fang approached, her robe loosely draped, her expression soft with both worry and longing. "You’re walking on dangerous paths, Tian. But I..." She stopped, her voice trembling slightly. "I’ll always be here."

Li Tian stepped closer, brushing a strand of hair from her face. His smirk softened, if only for a moment. "Then watch closely, Xu Fang. Because things are about to get much more interesting."

The night wind carried his words far across the estate, while the world outside whispered his name, both in awe and in fear.