Setting: Umbral City, Black Moon Clan Estate, Lei Clan Estate, Mercenary Association.
In the dimly lit room, Hei Jing sat in deep thought, his eyes filled with worry. After hearing Van Nam recount the events in the Dark Forest, he was even more convinced that the deaths of the three mercenaries were no accident.
"The Zhao Clan..." Hei Jing gritted his teeth. "They're using this as an excuse to pressure our Black Moon Clan."
"Father, what should we do?" Van Nam asked, his heart also filled with unease.
"For now, we must be careful," Hei Jing replied. "Clan Head Zhao is old and cunning, and he has the Lei Clan backing him. We cannot act rashly. I will try to negotiate with the other clans, but I fear we will have to pay a hefty compensation."
"And about the deaths of those three..." Van Nam hesitated.
"I know you did nothing wrong," Hei Jing sighed. "But right now, we have no proof. Moreover, the Lei Clan will certainly not let this matter rest. You must stay within the manor and absolutely not go out, to avoid giving them any leverage."
Van Nam clenched his fists. He was unwilling to be wrongly accused like this. Furthermore, he felt that a larger conspiracy was hidden behind all of this.
"Father, I want to investigate this matter myself," Van Nam said resolutely.
Hei Jing looked at his son, his expression complex. He knew that Van Nam was no longer the child he once was. He had matured, with his own opinions and strength.
"What do you plan to do?" Hei Jing asked.
"I will find evidence to prove our innocence," Van Nam replied, "and I will expose the culprit behind this incident."
Hei Jing pondered for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, I believe in you. But you must be extremely careful. I will have Hei San accompany you for protection."
Van Nam shook his head. "There's no need, Father. I have my own ways."
He didn't want his father to worry any more than he already was, and he trusted in the abilities of his Blood Shadow Spider.
Night fell. When the entire Black Moon estate was plunged into darkness, Van Nam quietly left his room. He channeled the Power of Darkness, enveloping his body, and at the same time, used the Blood Shadow Spider's camouflage ability to alter his appearance and aura, becoming an ordinary-looking youth with the aura of an Origin Apprentice Level 7.
Under the cover of darkness, Van Nam moved like a ghost, flickering in and out of sight through the streets of Umbral City. He moved swiftly and nimbly, without making a sound.
His first destination was the Lei Clan estate.
The Lei Clan estate, located in the eastern part of Umbral City, was a vast and imposing complex, no less grand than the Black Moon estate of old. Outside, guards patrolled restlessly, their vigilance high.
Van Nam hid in the shadows, observing. He couldn't just walk in; he had to find a way to sneak inside.
After a period of observation, Van Nam discovered a secluded corner of the wall with little foot traffic. He signaled the Blood Shadow Spider, ordering it to scout ahead.
In its invisible state, the Blood Shadow Spider moved silently, climbing over the wall and entering the Lei Clan estate. Thanks to its special senses, it quickly identified the positions of the guards and their patrol routes.
The information was transmitted back to Van Nam through the mental link between him and his Shadow Guard. Van Nam smiled; he had found a way in.
Taking advantage of a gap during the changing of the guard, Van Nam, as swift as a flash, vaulted over the wall and infiltrated the Lei Clan estate. He moved with light, graceful steps, like a phantom, slipping through corridors and gardens, evading the eyes and ears of the servants.
He recalled what he had exchanged in letters with his sister, Hei Van Thanh. She had warned him about Ouyang Feng and her suspicions about his connection to the Lei Clan.
"Ouyang Feng..." Van Nam murmured. "What does he have to do with this?"
Van Nam decided to start with Lei Ming, the one who had directly provoked him. He believed that from Lei Ming, he could find a clue leading to Ouyang Feng.
After some searching, Van Nam finally reached Lei Ming's courtyard. The room was still lit, and voices could be heard from within.
Van Nam hid in the darkness, listening intently.
"Young Master, should we act now?" a low voice asked.
"No rush," another arrogant and insolent voice replied. "Let the Black Moon Clan stew under the pressure for a while longer. I want to see how long Hei Van Nam can hold out."
"But..."
"Are you worried about that piece of trash?" the arrogant voice sneered. "Just an Origin Apprentice. What's there to be afraid of? Besides, I already have a plan for him."
Van Nam frowned. He recognized the arrogant voice as Lei Ming's. The low voice likely belonged to a trusted subordinate.
He continued to listen, hoping to gather more information.
"What does the Young Master plan to do?" the subordinate asked.
"Hmph, I'll give him a taste of suffering," Lei Ming laughed coldly. "I'll make him regret ever crossing me."
"But what about Young Master Ouyang..."
"Young Master Ouyang won't blame me," Lei Ming cut him off. "He also wants to see the Black Moon Clan weakened. Besides, I'm doing this for his plan."
Van Nam clenched his fists. He had his answer. Lei Ming and Ouyang Feng were indeed connected.
Just then, another voice sounded from inside the room. "Young Master, a subordinate has a letter to report."
"Come in," Lei Ming replied.
Van Nam held his breath, focusing intently. This could be his chance to find proof.
A servant entered the room, holding a letter. He handed it to Lei Ming, then withdrew.
Lei Ming opened the letter, skimmed it, and then smirked. "Good, very good. Young Master Ouyang is truly brilliant."
He tucked the letter into his chest, then turned to his subordinate. "You go prepare..."
Van Nam couldn't hear the rest, as Lei Ming had deliberately lowered his voice. But he knew they were plotting something.
At that moment, Van Nam heard footsteps approaching. He quickly melted back into the shadows, holding his breath.
A guard walked past, not noticing Van Nam's presence. He breathed a sigh of relief, planning to leave with the information he had just gathered.
But just then, he felt an icy chill envelop his body. Startled, he turned around to see a large, black shadow hovering behind him.
It was the Blood Shadow Spider!
Van Nam was horrified. He had forgotten about his Shadow Guard's presence. He quickly signaled for it to go invisible, but it was too late.
The guard had spotted the Blood Shadow Spider. He let out a terrified scream and was about to draw his sword.
But the Blood Shadow Spider was faster. It lunged, its sharp spider legs slashing at the guard.
Van Nam had no choice but to act. He drew his Dark Fang, rushed forward, and slashed at the guard's neck.
The guard collapsed, dying instantly.
Van Nam panted, looking at the corpse on the ground with a complex feeling. This was the first time he had killed a person.
But he had no time for regret. He had to leave quickly, before he was discovered.
He hastily took the letter from the dead guard's chest, then signaled the Blood Shadow Spider to leave.
But at that moment, terrified screams erupted from all over the Lei Clan estate.
"Assassin!"
"Get him!"
"He's over there!"
Van Nam knew he had been discovered. He had no choice but to make a desperate run for it.
He channeled all his strength, sprinting towards the Lei Clan estate's gate. The Blood Shadow Spider, in its invisible state, stayed close by his side.
After a fierce pursuit, Van Nam finally escaped the Lei Clan estate. He ran straight to the Mercenary Association, where he hoped to find his next clue.
It was nearly dawn when he reached the Mercenary Association. Still in his disguise, Van Nam entered and went to the area where information on deceased mercenaries was stored.
He found He Meng's name and some basic information. It turned out He Meng was a freelance mercenary, not belonging to any clan. He had joined the Mercenary Association three years ago and often took on dangerous missions.
Van Nam continued his search and discovered a crucial detail. When He Meng died, he was wearing a silver ring, engraved with the image of a wolf howling at the moon.
"This is..." Van Nam frowned, trying to remember.
Suddenly, it hit him. He had seen this ring once before.
While spying on the Lei Clan estate, he had caught a glimpse of Lei Ming wearing a similar ring.
"The Lei Clan!" Van Nam gritted his teeth. "So it really was you playing tricks!"
He continued to rummage through the files and found another important piece of information. In He Meng's pocket was a strange herb with a dark, acrid smell, unlike any herb he had ever known.
"What is this?" Van Nam wondered.
He carefully took a small amount of powder from the herb, wrapped it up, and left the Mercenary Association.
Returning to the Black Moon estate, Van Nam immediately went to find his father and told him everything, including what he had overheard at the Lei Clan estate and his discovery about He Meng.
After listening, Hei Jing's expression became extremely grave.
"I never thought the Lei Clan would be so bold," Hei Jing said, "to collude with the City Lord's Mansion, frame a member of the Mercenary Association, and place the blame on our Black Moon Clan."
"Father, about this herb?" Van Nam asked, surprised.
"From what you've described, the herb you found on He Meng is most likely Black Death Herb, a rare herb that only grows in places with high concentrations of the Power of Darkness. It is often used to concoct poisons and other forbidden drugs."
"Black Death Herb..." Van Nam murmured. "No wonder it could attract the Snow-Fur Rabbit, a naturally timid beast."
"Ouyang Feng, the Lei Clan, the Dark Forest, the deaths of those on that mission..." Hei Jing mused. "All of these things seem to be connected somehow."
"Father, what should we do?" Van Nam asked.
"This matter is not simple," Hei Jing sighed. "We need concrete evidence to expose the Lei Clan's true face. Furthermore, we must also be wary of Ouyang Feng. I suspect he is the one pulling the strings."
"I understand," Van Nam nodded. "I will continue to investigate."
"Be careful," Hei Jing warned. "I fear this matter will not end easily."
Van Nam nodded, his eyes flashing with determination. He knew a storm was coming. But he was not afraid. He had the Primal Dark Origin Spirit, the Shadow Pact, and the Black Moon Clan behind him. He would protect his loved ones and expose every dark conspiracy.
(End of Chapter 9)