Dawn bled through paper windows. Dan Qing sat cross-legged, jade-green tea cooling beside him. His fingers danced—tracing constellations of stolen data.


    [Simulation Complete]


    Elder Chen’s patrol rhythms flickered in AR.


    > Four-hour intervals.


    > Predictable turns.


    > Left sleeve weighted with keys.


    [Simulation Mode Active]


    *Replaying Elder Chen''s movement patterns*


    > Regular patrol timing: Every 4 hours


    > Preferred routes mapped


    > Behavioral patterns analyzed


    > Qi fluctuations recorded


    [AR Display: Library Security]


    *3D model of the seal matrix floating before him*


    > Complexity level: High


    > Weak points identified: 2


    > Authorization types needed: Blood + Qi signature


    > Possible bypasses: Limited


    A knock shattered stillness.


    [Qi Pulse Detected]


    > Xiao Feng.


    > Breath ragged.


    > Heartbeat—sparrow trapped in ribs.


    Dan Qing considered his options. He could invite Xiao Feng in immediately, a friendly gesture that might build rapport. He could quickly conceal any evidence of his clandestine activities before allowing the disciple entry. Or, he could pretend to be out, avoiding the encounter altogether.


    After a quick thought, he chose to hide his analysis first, ensuring that Xiao Feng wouldn''t stumble upon anything compromising.


    [Inventory Access]


    > Storing: Security analysis data


    > Retrieving: Scholarly materials


    > Activating: "Mentor" persona


    Dan Qing’s sleeve swept left. Stolen schematics vanished into his inventory. Scrolls rustled into place. Scholar’s mask secured.


    "Enter," he called, adjusting his robes to appear as if he had been studying all morning.


    [Conversation Simulation Preparing]


    > Loading: Previous interactions


    > Calculating: Manipulation points


    > Preparing: Strategic responses


    Xiao Feng tumbled through the door, cheeks blooming peony-red. "Scholar Liu! The Wind Step technique – I did it! That tip about weight distribution, it worked!"


    [Reality Check]


    > Enthusiasm: Genuine


    > Trust level: High


    > Manipulation potential: Optimal


    "Wonderful!" Dan Qing smiled warmly—crane observing minnows. . "Show me?"


    The boy leaped. Wind stirred dust motes.


    [AR Analysis]


    > Form accuracy: 62%


    > Improvement: Notable.


    > Left foot drag: 0.3 seconds.


    [New Strategy Forming]


    *Simulation running possible scenarios*


    > Plan A probability: 73%


    > Plan B probability: 58%


    > Optimal approach: Calculated revelation


    “Adequate.” Dan Qing nodded. “Yet consider the masters of old.” His finger drew suí—*follow*—in twilight air. “They danced with storms, not fled them.”


    Xiao Feng’s eyes widened—winter ponds catching first snow.


    [Tactical Array Engaged]


    *Three manipulation paths glowed:*


    1. Reveal fragmented manual.


    2. Whisper temptation.


    3. Forge challenge.


    Dan Qing chose the second.


    “The true Wind Step...” He sighed, moon-white fingers brushing imaginary pages. “...lies caged in jade cases. Secrets even elders forget.”


    "Really? What kind of secrets?"


    "Well..." he pretended to hesitate, then drew a simple diagram in the air. "Consider this pattern. The current form you''re learning is just the surface. The true technique allows for instant direction changes, even mid-leap."


    A scroll “slipped” from his desk. Partial diagrams shimmered—phoenix wings clipped mid-flight.


    Xiao Feng’s gasp echoed. “That movement—!”


    [Qi Sense Monitoring]


    > Target''s excitement: Maximum


    > Desire: Intensifying


    > Internal conflict: Beginning


    “Ah.” Dan Qing retrieved the scroll hastily. “Forget you saw this. Restricted knowledge poisons curious minds.” Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    The boy trembled—sapling in typhoon. “But Scholar Liu, if one *deserved* such secrets...”


    Dan Qing’s laugh held frost. “Deserve? Does the kitten deserve tiger stripes?” He waved dismissal. “Return at moonrise. Basics first.”


    [Prediction Matrix Active]


    *Calculating Xiao Feng''s likely responses*


    > Probability of taking bait: 92%


    > Timeline to action: 24-48 hours


    > Potential complications: 3


    "Scholar Liu," Xiao Feng started, then stopped himself. Just as planned.


    [Mission Update]


    ? Seed planted


    ? Target primed


    ? Distraction framework: In place


    ? Next phase: Await catalyst


    "I should prepare for my evening research," he said. "Keep practicing those basics. Foundation is everything."


    Xiao Feng bowed—too deep, too long—and fled.


    [Strategic Timeline]


    > Phase 1: Complete


    > Phase 2: In progress


    > Success probability: 84%


    As Xiao Feng left, his AR system began mapping his likely actions:


    Probability tree branching through possible scenarios


    [Prediction Matrix]


    > Theft attempt probability: 91%


    > Timeline: Next moonless hour.


    > Contingencies: Six prepared.


    [System Alert]


    *New simulation ready*


    > Running: Elder Chen''s response patterns


    > Calculating: Optimal timing for real theft


    > Preparing: Multiple escape routes


    He smiled, returning to his analysis. The pieces were in motion. Now, he just needed to wait for his unwitting pawn to make his move.


    [Quest Status]


    ? Primary Objective: On track


    ? Manipulation success: High


    ? Cover maintained: Perfect


    ? Next step: Monitor target


    Dan Qing sipped cold tea. Bitter. Perfect.


    ------


    Shadows clung to Dan Qing like loyal ghosts as he slipped through the hidden passage. The air smelled of aged mulberry paper and the faint metallic tang of Iron Leaf’s seal matrix—a celestial lattice forged by Earth Realm masters.


    [Alert! Alert!]


    > Multiple Qi signatures converging on library


    > Identity: Xiao Feng + 2 guards


    > Time: Optimal distraction window


    > Status: Operation commencing


    The timing was perfect; this was the optimal window of distraction he had been waiting for. The operation was commencing. Dan Qing moved swiftly and silently through the shadows, his augmented reality overlay displaying the unfolding chaos at the library''s main entrance.


    [Qi Sense Enhanced]


    Enhancing his Qi Sense, he pinpointed Xiao Feng, a sparrow caught in thunderstorms, within a restricted section of the library, the guards in hot pursuit – hounds baying at false trail.


    Simultaneously, he detected Elder Chen stirring in their quarters, likely alerted by the commotion. Crucially, the main library area was now temporarily unguarded.


    Dan Qing now faced a choice of entry points. He could attempt to enter through a skylight, a risky maneuver that might draw attention.


    He could use the servant''s entrance, a more subtle approach but potentially still monitored.


    Or, he could utilize the hidden passage he had identified during his previous infiltration, a secure and discreet route.


    He chose the hidden passage, favoring the safety and secrecy it offered.


    [Stealth Mode Engaged]


    *AR pathway illuminated optimal route*


    > Success probability: 96%


    > Detection risk: Minimal


    > Time window: 180 seconds


    The hidden passage opened silently. Inside the library, shouts echoed from the main hall.


    "Thief! Stop him!"


    "Junior Brother Xiao Feng?!"


    "Seal the exits!"


    [Tactical Overlay Active]


    > Target location: Confirmed


    > Security seal: Weakened by Xiao Feng''s attempt


    > Opening detected in Qi matrix


    Dan Qing slipped into the restricted section. The crystalline case sat exactly where he had left it, but now…


    His fingers brushed the crystalline case. The seal pulsed—a spiderweb of golden threads humming with sect pride. But Xiao Feng’s blood, still fresh on the mechanism, had weakened its weave.


    [Security Analysis]


    > Seal status: Partially disrupted


    > Weakness: Lower left quadrant


    > Time window: 120 seconds remaining


    His fingers danced through the air, following the patterns he had simulated countless times. The seal shimmered, weakened, and finally broke.


    [Inventory Access]


    > Opening: Simulation storage


    > Preparing: AR scan of manual contents


    > Progress: 0% → 5% → 12%


    The manual slid into his hands, its pages humming with ancient knowledge.


    [System Alert]


    > Scan in progress…


    > Visible text loading: 32%


    > Decrypting Qi techniques… 46%


    > Full transcription: 64%


    [Warning!]


    > Multiple signatures approaching!


    > Time to contact: 45 seconds


    > Elder Chen: Moving rapidly


    > Escape routes: Calculating…


    Elder Chen was moving quickly, and his internal systems were calculating escape routes.


    Dan Qing now faced a critical decision.


    He could attempt a traditional escape, relying on speed and stealth. He could create a distraction, diverting the pursuers’ attention while he made his getaway. Or, he could conceal the manual and retreat, hoping to retrieve it later.


    He chose to create a distraction, deciding that a diversion would offer the best chance of a clean escape while securing the information he had already gathered.


    His mind raced. The pursuers would reach him before the scan finished unless he created a diversion. He tightened his grip on the scroll before smirking.


    "Let’s give them something to chase."


    [System Progress]


    > Scan completion: 82%


    > Qi principles: Deciphered 77%


    > Storage capacity: Optimal


    He leaped to the library’s upper level, the scroll still in hand. Just as Elder Chen and his disciples burst into the restricted section, his system chimed:


    [Simulation Database Update]


    > Full scan complete.


    > Manual information stored.


    > Technique available for simulation practice.


    With a flick of his wrist, he hurled the scroll across the room.


    "There!" Elder Chen roared. "Get the scroll! Don’t let him escape!"


    The disciples lunged after it as the precious artifact tumbled through the air. He smiled. While they scrambled to retrieve it, he silently vanished into the shadows.


    [Escape Plan Engaged]


    > Route recalculated: Minimal resistance


    > Pursuer focus: Diverted


    > Status: Exfiltrating


    Roof tiles became stepping stones across a starry river. Below, the sect burned with futile rage. Above, Dan Qing’s Gale Edge Step (newly augmented by stolen wisdom) left no trace but dew trembling on tiles.


    ---