NOVEL WEB Chapter 5: Li Fang's Death
Through the translucent interface of the Codex, Xiao Ning watched Mei Lin's approaching figure materialize in the dim light of the cave. Her brow was furrowed, her gaze sharp as if trying to pierce through layers of illusion.
"Your qi... it feels different," she murmured, her voice tinged with suspicion. The moment she had stepped back into the cavern, an unsettling sensation prickled at her senses, though she couldn't quite place its source.
"Different?" Xiao Ning inwardly scoffed. Of course it was different—he had unlocked the Paradox Meridians, a phenomenon so rare that even his past life held no record of such a thing. He knew little about the other two core paradoxes, but this one alone defied all logic.
Not only did it mask his cultivation level flawlessly, but it also granted him abilities far stranger—and far deadlier—than anything he'd encountered before.
Mei Lin's gaze remained watchful as she studied Xiao Ning, her suspicions gradually intensifying. "It feels like a strange combination of old and new qi," she remarked. "But how is it possible? Your Nascent Soul were on the verge of collapsing before you went into seclusion."
Xiao Ning inwardly smirked. The Paradox Meridians allowed him to manipulate his aura at will, rendering his true cultivation level virtually undetectable. It was a formidable advantage that he intended to use to his fullest.
"Soul Reconstruction isn't an easy process," Li Feng interjected cryptically, his voice raspy from his injuries.
Mei Lin's frown deepened as she digested Li Feng's words. "Your cultivation… I can still sense it's at the Late stage of Nascent Soul Realm," she said slowly. "The sect won't believe a miraculous recovery—not after the funeral rites."
"Easy deal." With a mere thought, Xiao Ning activated the paradox meridians masking function. His Nascent Soul aura collapsed inward, replaced by the core power of the Core Formation Realm.
Mei Lin's expression shifted slightly as she observed this unexpected change. Her sharp mind raced, piecing together the implications. If Xiao Ning could conceal his aura to this extent....
"Even if you manage to hide your presence," Mei Lin added, "the sect members won't believe you're alive. They all witnessed Li Fang's death."
"They'll believe what we make them believe," Xiao Ning replied coolly, his lips curving upward into a sly grin. "Or has the Shadowclaw Sect suddenly become a righteous sect?"
Mei Lin's brow furrowed again, lost in thought. She knew that Xiao Ning's words held more than just a surface meaning.
"Though I am currently acting as the sect leader," she said, after a pause, "not all power rests in my hands. Elder Jin isn't idle."
The Shadowclaw Sect wasn't weak—it was one of the most formidable forces in the region, boasting three experts at the late stage of the Nascent Soul Realm. Two were now gravely injured, leaving Elder Jin to consolidate his authority over the sect.
"What about that person?" Xiao Ning asked abruptly, changing the subject.
"You mean…" Mei Lin trailed off, her face pale.
"Yes," Xiao Ning confirmed indifferently. "From Li Fang's memories, I know this is the individual who requested the extermination of the Jiang family. He's responsible for everything that's happened to us."
Mei Lin studied him intently. "I see what's on your mind. You want us to threaten him by exposing his identity and force him to assist us in dealing with the Azure Dragon Sect?"
Xiao Ning's lips curved upward again, revealing a glimmer of amusement. "Assist us? That's right—but also wrong."
"What do you mean?" Mei Lin asked, confusion flickering in her eyes.
Xiao Ning's eyes gleamed with a faint red light. "From what I can tell, Elder Jin is a cunning man. He also witnessed Li Fang's death firsthand…"
"You mean…" Mei Lin gasped, realization dawning on her face.
Xiao Ning stood up, his movements deliberate. "I remember that day vividly from Li Fang's memories—it's the clearest moment of his life. Perhaps his obsession."
Hearing this, guilt flickered in Mei Lin's eyes. She bit her lip and offered a bitter smile. "What did you see?"
Xiao Ning locked his gaze onto hers. "That day, Li Fang intended to assassinate Jiang Chen alone, based on information provided by Elder Jin. According to him, the boy would be isolated outside the Azure Dragon Sect on a mission."
"Information from Elder Jin…" Mei Lin murmured thoughtfully. As head of the intelligence department, any high-level intel would come directly from him. Yet, he had assured Li Fang that Jiang Chen was unguarded—a blatant lie.
"The instant Li Fang revealed himself and attacked Jiang Chen, he was surrounded by the Righteous Sects Alliance," Xiao Ning continued, pausing briefly. "But that's not the issue here. While there's a chance the information was deliberately leaked to lure him out, the real problem lies elsewhere. Before attacking, Li Fang sensed something was amiss."
"What?!" Mei Lin exclaimed, shock widening her eyes. "Li Fang knew?!"
"Before making his move, Li Fang contacted Elder Jin and requested backup. Only when Elder Jin sent word that he had arrived and was watching from afar did Li Fang strike."
Mei Lin staggered backward, her mind reeling. If Xiao Ning spoke the truth, then Elder Jin hadn't merely failed to support Li Fang—he had orchestrated his downfall. A chill ran down her spine as she realized the possibility...
Xiao Ning observed her reaction closely, his expression unreadable. "Now tell me, Mei Lin. Do you think Elder Jin will accept responsibility for his actions—or will he seek to eliminate anyone who dares question him?"
Mei Lin's eyes narrowed slightly. "Don't tell me you plan to use that person to take down Elder Jin."
Xiao Ning smiled enigmatically. "Smart. That's exactly the case—but you'll be the one carrying out the task."
Confusion clouded Mei Lin's features, yet she pressed on. "How?"
Xiao Ning's eyes turned cold. "You simply need to deliver a message to that person—signed with Elder Jin's seal."
"You want to…"