Night was ink-black. In the dense woods at the edge of Shadowvale, even the insect cries seemed unnaturally clear. Lu Xingchen had followed Shen Ye for two full hours. He had expected a safer detour; instead Shen Ye chose the heart of shadow clan territory—places where even light could not reach, and where the shadowfolk were least likely to set ambushes. "Where exactly are you taking me?" Lu Xingchen finally asked, keeping his voice low. Shen Ye did not stop. He only glanced back. Those dark...