The night was unusually quiet.
So quiet that it felt wrong to Li Tian.
In the courtyard of the Tian residence, lanterns swayed gently in the breeze.
The guards were in their positions—
but what couldn't be seen
was far more important.
---
Shadow Veil Alert
Li Tian was checking ledgers in his study when he heard a faint click near his ear—
like a fingernail brushing against stone.
A signal.
Shadow Veil's emergency code.
Li Tian closed his eyes.
"Report," he said softly.
A voice rose from the shadows—
"Three people. From the rooftop.
Poison blades.
Target—you."
No panic.
Only calculation.
"Neutralize," Li Tian ordered.
"Silent."
---
One-Panel Carnage (Manhua Style)
Three shadows moved across the rooftop.
Next panel—
just a single drop of falling blood.
No screams.
No sound.
Only… an empty roof.
The bodies vanished into the night.
---
Message Left Behind
At dawn, a broken jade token was found outside the courtyard.
The symbol of the Guild's inner circle.
Li Tian turned the token in his hand.
"Internal."
This wasn't a random attack.
It was a warning.
---
Mu Qinglan's Reaction
When Mu Qinglan heard the news,
her expression turned grave.
"It's from inside the Guild,"
she said.
"Should I tell Father?"
Li Tian shook his head.
"Not yet.
When the prey walks out on its own…
it should be used."
Mu Qinglan looked at him—
a mix of fear
and admiration.
---
Li Tian's Decision
That night, Li Tian said only one line to the Shadow Veil leader—
"Observe.
Do not act… yet."
Then he said to himself—
"Whoever is pulling me into the darkness,
I'll drag them into the light."
---
End Panel
Morning light fell upon the pillars of the Guild hall.
Behind those same pillars…
some people were wiping sweat from their brows.
Caption:
"The first strike was survived.
But the real game has just begun."
Next Chapter: The Merchant Guild's internal storm.