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Chapter 81: Unveiling Hidden Shadows

The system\'s voice, now ingrained in his mind, chimed again.

[New Quest: Investigate the Cult\'s Base of Operations.]

[Objective: Use the Shadow Step Technique to infiltrate the cult\'s hideout in the northern mountain range.]

[Reward: Dark Lotus Formation Technique.]

Li Tian\'s eyebrows lifted in intrigue. The Dark Lotus Formation Technique wasn\'t something he had heard of before, but given the complexity and potency of the techniques he had been acquiring lately, he knew this one could likely shift the tides of battle in his favor.

With his mission clear, Li Tian turned his attention back to the narrow mountain path. The northern mountain range stretched ahead of him, its ominous peaks jutting into the darkening sky. A thick fog clung to the air, as though the mountains themselves were alive with secrets.

He stepped forward, calling upon the Shadow Step Technique for the first time. Instantly, his body melded into the shadows, his presence vanishing from sight. It felt like slipping through a veil of darkness, a part of the world and yet entirely hidden from it. Every sound, every movement around him became sharper, more distinct.

The technique worked effortlessly, and with newfound stealth, Li Tian began his trek toward the cult\'s rumored base of operations. The trail became steeper, the air colder as he ascended into the heart of the mountains.

Hours passed, and soon, Li Tian\'s journey led him to a clearing nestled between the jagged peaks. The sight that greeted him was unexpected—a hidden valley, cloaked in mist, with towering stone pillars arranged in a strange formation. At the center of the clearing was a massive stone fortress, its walls covered in cryptic symbols that pulsed with dark energy.

This was the Cult of Shadows\' stronghold.

Li Tian crouched low, his eyes scanning the area for any sign of guards or patrols. Surprisingly, the entrance to the fortress was unguarded, though the air was thick with the same dark energy he had encountered during his earlier battle.

Activating the Shadow Step Technique once more, Li Tian moved toward the fortress, his form blending seamlessly with the surrounding darkness. He approached the large, iron gate and slipped inside, unnoticed and undetected.

The interior of the fortress was just as foreboding as the exterior. Dark corridors wound deep into the mountain, lit only by flickering torches casting eerie shadows on the stone walls. The air was thick with an unnatural chill, and Li Tian could feel the dark energy growing stronger the deeper he went.

As he ventured further, he heard voices echoing down the halls. He moved closer, his body merging with the shadows, until he reached a large chamber at the end of the corridor.

Inside, several hooded figures stood in a circle, their voices chanting in an ancient tongue. At the center of the circle was a stone altar, upon which a black crystal hovered, pulsating with dark energy. The figures seemed to be performing some sort of ritual, their chanting growing louder with each passing moment.

Li Tian\'s instincts told him that this was the heart of the cult\'s power—the source of the dark energy that had been plaguing the region. He couldn\'t afford to wait. He needed to strike now.

Summoning the strength of his newly acquired techniques, Li Tian prepared to launch his assault. But just as he readied himself, the system\'s voice interrupted.

[Task: Interrupt the Cult\'s Ritual.]

[Hint: Utilize the Shadow Step Technique to silently approach the altar.]

[Reward: Black Serpent Technique.]

Li Tian grinned. Another technique would only add to his growing arsenal, and with the element of surprise on his side, he had no doubt he could take them down.

He activated the Shadow Step once again, his body dissolving into the darkness as he silently moved toward the altar. The chanting continued, oblivious to his presence as he drew closer to the pulsating crystal. His eyes narrowed as he focused on the figures, waiting for the right moment.

Then, in one swift motion, he broke free from the shadows, his sword flashing in the dim torchlight. The first figure didn\'t even have time to react as Li Tian\'s blade sliced through the air, cutting them down with deadly precision.

The others turned in shock, their chants faltering as they realized what had happened. But by then, it was too late. Li Tian moved like a blur, his sword a whirlwind of steel as he cut down each figure in quick succession.

The ritual was broken. The dark energy that had been building in the room dissipated, the crystal losing its glow as it fell lifeless to the altar. The threat was neutralized.

Breathing heavily, Li Tian stood over the altar, his sword dripping with the blood of his enemies. He had succeeded, but this was only the beginning. The Cult of Shadows was far from defeated, and their plans were still shrouded in mystery.

As he caught his breath, the system chimed once more.

[Task Completed: Black Serpent Technique Unlocked.]

Li Tian smiled. He had earned his reward, but there was still much to be done. The cult was dangerous, and if they were left unchecked, their influence would only grow stronger.