Reincarnation of the Celestial Bastard

Chapter 97: Shadows of the Crimson Lotus

After the encounter in the eastern peaks, Li Tian's reputation had spread like wildfire. Allies grew more loyal, and even those who once underestimated him began to sense his growing influence. Yet, for every ally gained, new threats lurked in the shadows.

On his way back to the Li estate, the system chimed once again.

[System Notification: New Quest Available]

[Quest: Crimson Lotus Rising]

Objective: Infiltrate the secret gathering of the Crimson Lotus Sect and acquire their sacred technique.

Reward: Phantom Blaze Technique – A technique capable of merging fire and shadow to create devastating attacks.

The Crimson Lotus Sect was infamous across the continent, known for its extreme and brutal techniques. Their leader, Madam Fei Lian, was a notorious figure, her abilities a mixture of beauty, cunning, and unparalleled lethality. It was said she never left a battle unfinished.

This mission wasn't just another quest; it was a new opportunity to truly test himself and his team. Determined to keep the pace, Li Tian gathered Liu Mei and Zhou Ming at the estate and set off under the guise of a low-profile merchant caravan.

The journey to the Crimson Lotus's hideout was arduous, taking them through dense forests and treacherous mountain paths. When they finally arrived, the cult's headquarters were concealed within an ancient temple, cloaked by an aura that was as intimidating as it was alluring.

"Stay on guard," Li Tian whispered, signaling Liu Mei and Zhou Ming as they moved through the shadows toward the temple's entrance.

Inside, the atmosphere was thick with a dark energy, and Crimson Lotus disciples lined the halls, their robes marked with the sect's emblem – a lotus drenched in crimson flame. The trio kept to the shadows, slipping past guards and carefully avoiding detection.

As they made their way deeper into the temple, they heard voices echoing down one of the main corridors. Li Tian motioned for Liu Mei and Zhou Ming to stay silent as he moved closer, listening intently to the conversation.

"Madam Fei Lian is furious," one of the disciples murmured. "That brat from the Li family is becoming a real thorn in our side. She wants him eliminated."

Li Tian smirked. He had clearly made quite an impression. But if they thought he was easily deterred, they were sorely mistaken.

Further inside, they finally reached the inner sanctum – an imposing chamber adorned with ancient relics and flames casting eerie shadows on the walls. At the center stood an altar with a scroll sealed under layers of protective energy. This was the legendary Crimson Lotus Technique.

Li Tian took a step forward, feeling the intense power emanating from the scroll. Just as he reached out, a soft, mocking laugh filled the room.

"So, you've come for my prized possession, Li Tian?" The voice was smooth and chilling. From the shadows, Madam Fei Lian herself emerged, her beauty striking yet dangerous. Her eyes gleamed with an almost predatory intent.

Unfazed, Li Tian met her gaze. "I only came to take what you've hoarded for too long."

Madam Fei Lian chuckled, her hand tracing a lazy circle in the air as a dark aura began to manifest around her. "Bold words for one so young. Let's see if your strength matches them."

Li Tian activated Storm Reaper, his body moving with blinding speed as he launched the first attack. But Madam Fei Lian was a seasoned warrior, her reflexes sharp as she deflected his blows with practiced ease, her movements precise and unyielding.

As they clashed, flames erupted around them, illuminating the chamber in bursts of red and orange. Each strike resonated with power, the clash of their energies rippling through the air. Liu Mei and Zhou Ming stood ready to intervene, but they respected Li Tian's silent command to let him face this opponent alone.

The intensity of the battle escalated as Madam Fei Lian unleashed one of her signature moves, a flaming whip that lashed through the air, aiming to ensnare Li Tian. He narrowly avoided the strike, retaliating with a powerful burst from his Dark Gale technique, which pushed her back momentarily.

Madam Fei Lian's smirk only widened. "You're impressive, Li Tian. But you're still far from being a true threat."

With a swift motion, she unleashed another technique, summoning pillars of flame that surrounded him. Trapped, Li Tian assessed his options, his mind racing. Just then, the system chimed in.

[System Suggestion: Use Flickering Shadows Technique]

Embracing the system's advice, Li Tian activated Flickering Shadows, his figure blending seamlessly with the flickering flames as he evaded her attacks with newfound agility. Madam Fei Lian's eyes narrowed in annoyance as he slipped past her defenses, striking with precision.

The tide of the battle began to turn. Madam Fei Lian's once-smug expression twisted into one of frustration as she struggled to keep up with his movements.

Realizing she was outmatched, Madam Fei Lian scowled, retreating to the other side of the chamber. "Fine. Take the technique. But this is far from over, Li Tian."

With one last, defiant glare, she disappeared into the shadows, leaving the temple echoing with her parting threat.

Li Tian approached the altar, his heart pounding from the intensity of the fight. He carefully lifted the scroll, feeling the ancient power contained within. The system's chime confirmed his success.

[Quest Complete: Crimson Lotus Rising]

Reward: Phantom Blaze Technique acquired!

With the new technique in hand, Li Tian and his team made a swift escape from the temple, disappearing into the forest as the first light of dawn broke over the horizon. The path forward was dangerous, but he knew one thing for sure – his strength was evolving, and no one would stop him from claiming his destiny.

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