Bai Zihan walked slowly, hands tucked into his sleeves, his long robe brushing lightly against the dirt.
Beside him, Kong Zhanghong kept pace, his expression grim, eyes occasionally scanning the rooftops and alleyways.
At the moment, they were on their way to the place Kong Zhanghong had found, which might be connected to the assassins sent to kill Bai Zihan, one year ago.
“Young Master, it might not be the organization that sent the assassins to kill you and Miss Bai Xinyue,” Kong Zhanghong said quietly.
“Black Lantern Society operates mostly in the outer prefectures of the Capital—espionage, smuggling, contract killings. But they’re not strong. They don’t have the resources or cultivation to deploy several Soul Formation experts… much less Spirit Severing Realm cultivators.”
Bai Zihan’s gaze didn’t waver.
“But?”
“They’re definitely connected. I found out that Black Lantern Society has previously offended someone far higher than their level, and that clan wanted to eradicate the Black Lantern Society.”
“But what happened next shocked everyone. The clan was destroyed the day after declaring war on Black Lantern Society. The group sent to wipe out that clan seemed to have strength similar to the one sent to kill you.”
Kong Zhanghong continued.
“But this isn’t the only evidence. Although the Black Lantern Society has the strength of a low-level sect, it is always helped by someone when in danger.”
“Someone is definitely protecting them and funding them.”
They passed beneath a narrow archway. The distant clanging of metal could be heard—a blacksmith working somewhere in the back alleys.
“Nobody knows who is backing the Black Lantern Society, but everyone knows that if one wants to deal with them, they have to prepare for what’s to come. There aren’t many organizations with such secrecy, and the assassins sent to kill you are also unknown.”
“So I suspect that the Black Lantern Society is a branch of that organization or has some sort of relationship.”
Bai Zihan listened carefully.
Although much of what Kong Zhanghong said was speculation, it wasn’t baseless.
Moreover, to find such a hidden organization, he didn’t expect to get concrete evidence or anything solid.
Anyway, even if it wasn’t the same organization, such a powerful assassination group would definitely know another similar organization that might be the one he was looking for.
Kong Zhanghong’s steps slowed as they neared the old teahouse, the shadows growing longer and thicker.
“I would have taken care of this myself,” Kong Zhanghong said quietly, eyes narrowing.
“If it were just a matter of finding the organization, I could have tracked them to their roots. But my strength isn’t enough.”
He glanced at Bai Zihan, expression serious.
“Acting too openly might alert them. This organization moves in shadows, and if they sense a hunter breathing down their necks, they disappear like smoke. I didn’t want to risk blowing our cover.”
Bai Zihan gave a faint smile, though his gaze remained steady.
That sounded like an excuse, but Kong Zhanghong wasn’t entirely wrong. Being cautious helps, especially when dealing with power one might not be familiar with.
Moreover, Kong Zhanghong had already done more than he expected.
They stood before the teahouse now. The faded wooden doors loomed ahead, silent as a tomb.
Kong Zhanghong hesitated before asking, “Young Master, will you call the elders for help? The Bai Clan’s combined strength could overwhelm them.”
Bai Zihan’s eyes flicked toward the weathered building, then back to Kong Zhanghong.
“I can handle this myself!”
The words hung in the air.
Kong Zhanghong’s brow furrowed sharply, startled by the confidence—and risk—in Bai Zihan’s tone.
“Young Master… that is dangerous. They seem to have many Soul Formation Realm experts. And although I don’t doubt your full strength, it’s better to be cautious.”
Kong Zhanghong warned.
This was one of the reasons he sought Bai Zihan’s help—because the Black Lantern Society had several Soul Formation Realm cultivators.
But he hadn’t expected Bai Zihan to plan to deal with them alone. He thought Bai Zihan would call the elders for help.
Bai Zihan’s voice was calm but cold.
“Don’t worry! If something happens, we can always run away. However, you can go back if you want.”
Kong Zhanghong’s eyes flickered with unease.
“Young Master is going. How can I just leave?”
He said confidently, but it was obvious he was scared.
He was only in the Nascent Soul Realm. Facing several Soul Formation experts… it wasn’t something he could handle.
But of course, he can’t show hismelf to be a coward and leave Bai Zihan by himself.
Kong Zhanghong took a deep breath and stepped forward, leading the way through the narrow alleys that twisted like veins through the old quarter of the Capital’s outer prefectures.
The buildings here were worn down, cracked tiles and faded paint telling stories of neglect and silence.
The people who once lived nearby had long since moved out—or been moved out.
The stench of old blood, rusted iron, and stale incense clung to the air.
They finally reached a secluded courtyard enclosed by high stone walls mottled with moss.
At the far end stood a dilapidated structure—two stories high, with shuttered windows and a carved plaque above the door whose characters had long faded from view.
Kong Zhanghong came to a halt a few steps away, his body tense.
“This is it,” he said quietly. “The old medicine guild’s branch building. Abandoned for over ten years. No one goes near it. But according to the information I gathered… this is where Black Lantern Society is currently headquartered.”
He swallowed hard. His knuckles were white as he clenched his fists.
Then, with a nervous glance toward Bai Zihan, he added, “Young Master, are you really sure we shouldn’t wait for the elders? Even just one or two Spirit Severing cultivators would make all the difference. If we strike too early and they escape—”
He didn’t get to finish.
Because Bai Zihan had already moved.
Without a word, he stepped forward, long robes flowing behind him, and headed straight for the heavy double doors of the building.
Kong Zhanghong’s mouth opened in alarm.
“Young Master—!”
But Bai Zihan didn’t slow.
Kong Zhanghong cursed softly under his breath.
He jogged forward, heart pounding, and followed Bai Zihan in.
“Wait for me, Young Master!”