As the dust settled from the victory over the rebels, General Lu Sang stood at the frontlines of his encampment, watching his soldiers clean their weapons and tend to their wounds. The sense of satisfaction from his successful surprise attack against the rebels was palpable, yet there was an unease in the air that lingered around him—particurly when his thoughts turned to Cao Suyin.

  Her intelligence had been instrumental, and her insights into the rebels had given Lu Sang the edge he needed. But the mystery of her true intentions gnawed at him. She was too precise, too knowledgeable, and far too calm even in the face of chaos. The information she provided was invaluable, but Lu Sang couldn’t help but wonder: What’s her endgame?

  Late that evening, Cao Suyin entered his quarters unannounced. Her presence was as silent as a shadow, and yet Lu Sang felt her the moment she stepped inside. She no longer wore the impassive mask she had donned when they first met—there was something predatory about her tonight.

  "You've gained much," she said, her voice almost a whisper, though the words carried weight. "But the true fight is only beginning."

  Lu Sang narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean by that?"

  Cao Suyin stepped closer, her eyes locking onto his with an intensity that sent a shiver down his spine. "The rebels we defeated were a mere fragment of what’s coming. The real leaders of the rebellion—those who have the true power—remain hidden. And now that you've exposed their weaknesses, they will come for you with everything they have."

  Lu Sang had anticipated retaliation, but the way Cao Suyin spoke, it seemed as if she knew far more than she was letting on.

  "And what do you suggest we do?" Lu Sang asked cautiously, trying to read her expression.

  She smiled faintly, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "We go deeper. We infiltrate their ranks. You need to understand their inner workings before they strike back. I can help with that."

  "Why would you want to help me further?" he asked, standing from his chair, now towering over her.

  Her smile vanished. "Because the Fanism Empire isn’t the only one at risk here. There are forces moving in the shadows—forces that seek to tear down both the rebels and the Empire alike. You’re not fighting a rebellion; you’re fighting a war for control of everything."

  Lu Sang felt a pang of uncertainty. "Who are these forces?"

  "The Bck Hand," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, as if even uttering the name could summon them. "They are the true orchestrators behind the rebellion. They manipute from the shadows, and their reach extends far beyond the battlefield. They see you as a threat now, General."

  For the first time in their encounters, Lu Sang saw a flicker of fear in Cao Suyin’s eyes, and that was enough to convince him that this threat was real. He realized he was walking a dangerous line between trust and manipution. But there was no turning back now.

  "Then we strike first," Lu Sang said. "Tell me how to find them."

  Cao Suyin’s smile returned, but this time it was darker, more dangerous. "You’ll need more power than you currently possess, General. The Bck Hand cannot be defeated by conventional means. They deal in the mystical and the forbidden."

  Lu Sang hesitated. His cultivation had advanced after using 100,000 sexual points, pushing him from 200,000 to 300,000 of the Foundation Spirit. But was that enough? He had heard whispers of forbidden techniques that could grant even greater power—but at a cost.

  "What kind of power are we talking about?" he asked, his voice steady despite the growing tension in the air.

  "The kind that can make you unstoppable," Cao Suyin replied. "But it will require sacrifices. You must be willing to do whatever it takes."

  Lu Sang’s mind raced. His loyalty to the Fanism Empire, to Empress Pan Lian, and to his men was unwavering. But this was a battle for survival. If he didn’t gain the strength to fight the Bck Hand, all would be lost.

  "I'll consider it," he said. "But first, I want proof that these Bck Hand members are real. Show me where to find them."

  Cao Suyin nodded, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Very well, General. There is a secret meeting pce where the Bck Hand congregates—hidden deep within the northern mountains. But be warned, their influence reaches far beyond this world. What you’ll encounter may change everything you believe in."

  Lu Sang nodded, already feeling the weight of the decision he was about to make. "Prepare the troops. We leave at dawn."

  As dawn broke, Lu Sang’s army assembled. Though he had informed only his most trusted soldiers of the mission's true nature, the entire army was mobilized, ready to move north. They marched in silence, the tension thick in the air as they made their way toward the mountains.

  Cao Suyin rode beside him, her gaze fixed on the horizon. She remained an enigma, her true motives still hidden beneath yers of secrecy. But Lu Sang had little choice now. He had made his decision.

  By the time they reached the foot of the mountains, night had fallen. A full moon cast eerie shadows on the rocky terrain. Cao Suyin dismounted, her movements fluid and graceful.

  "We’re close," she said softly, motioning for Lu Sang to follow her on foot.

  They ascended a narrow path, winding their way through jagged cliffs until they reached a hidden cave entrance, barely visible to the naked eye. Inside, the air was thick with an oppressive energy that seemed to pulse with malevolent intent.

  "This is where they meet," Cao Suyin whispered. "But be careful, General. Once you enter, there is no turning back."

  Lu Sang took a deep breath and stepped into the darkness, knowing that the path ahead would test his strength, his loyalty, and his very soul.