The abandoned temple stood at the edge of a dense forest, its crumbling walls covered in moss and vines. Ling Feng stepped inside, the air thick with the scent of damp earth and decay. He had come here seeking answers, and the Frostmoon Blade in his hand seemed to hum with anticipation.

In the center of the temple, a statue of an ancient warrior stood, its stone eyes staring into the void. Ling Feng approached it, his fingers brushing against the cold surface. As he did, he noticed a small, almost imperceptible crack in the statue’s base. He pressed against it, and a hidden compartment slid open, revealing a rolled-up piece of parchment.

His heart raced as he unfurled the parchment. It was a letter from his father, written in a hurried hand. “To my son, Ling Feng,” it began. “If you are reading this, then I have failed to protect our family. The Black Eagle Syndicate seeks the Dragon Vein, the lifeblood of Yunzhou. If they succeed, they will control the fate of the entire region. You must stop them.”

Ling Feng’s hands trembled as he read the words. The Dragon Vein—a legendary source of energy that sustained Yunzhou’s prosperity. If the Black Eagle Syndicate controlled it, they would have the power to manipulate the land itself.

Xiao Han and Ruyan entered the temple, their expressions grim. “What did you find?” Xiao Han asked.

Ling Feng handed him the letter. “The Black Eagle Syndicate’s true goal is the Dragon Vein. If they control it, Yunzhou will fall.”

Ruyan’s face paled. “The Dragon Vein… my father has been obsessed with it for years. He believes it will give him ultimate power.”

Xiao Han frowned. “Then we need to act fast. But how do we stop them?”

Ling Feng clenched his fists. “We’ll need to gather allies. The martial arts sects of Yunzhou must unite against this threat.”

Ruyan nodded. “I know where they’re planning to strike. We can intercept them.”

As they left the temple, Ling Feng felt a weight settle on his shoulders. The stakes were higher than he had ever imagined. This was no longer just about revenge—it was about protecting the future of Yunzhou.