Reincarnation of the Celestial Bastard

Chapter 72: Gathering Allies

The sun dipped below the horizon as Li Tian stood outside his private courtyard, the gentle evening breeze ruffling his robes. His mind buzzed with thoughts of the looming darkness and the system's quest. Despite the earlier moments of intimacy with Liu Mei, a growing tension brewed inside him, reminding him of the impending challenges he couldn't afford to ignore.

The Shadowless Phantom Technique was a reward he knew would be invaluable, but obtaining it required not just brute strength but cunning and strategy. The darkness the rogue leader had spoken of was no small matter. If Li Tian wanted to survive—and thrive—he needed more than his individual power. He needed allies.

He looked out into the distance, his thoughts drifting to the figures who could help him navigate the treacherous waters ahead. His father, Li Feng, held significant influence and knowledge. His sister, Li Xue, had proven her loyalty and devotion time and again. But were they enough?

[System Notification: New Quest Added.]

Li Tian glanced at the notification.

[Objective: Recruit allies to assist in the investigation of the dark forces. Minimum requirement: 2 high-level cultivators. Reward: Heaven-Severing Strike Technique.]

"Heaven-Severing Strike..." Li Tian whispered to himself. Another powerful technique—one focused on raw, overwhelming power. It was exactly what he needed. But it also meant he had to assemble a small team of capable individuals to support him.

He decided to start with his family. His relationship with his father had always been strained, though Li Feng acknowledged his son's growing strength. Li Xue, on the other hand, was a far more reliable ally—both in terms of loyalty and her own cultivation abilities.

With renewed determination, Li Tian made his way to the main residence of the Li family. His sister was likely training in her private courtyard, and his father would be in the study, as he always was in the evening.

When Li Tian arrived at Li Xue's courtyard, he found her in the middle of a graceful sword dance, her movements fluid yet precise. She moved with a level of elegance and power that belied her youthful appearance, her long, dark hair flowing behind her like a silken ribbon. The blade in her hand gleamed under the dimming light, cutting through the air with sharp, measured strikes.

"Xue," Li Tian called, his voice breaking through the sound of her practice.

Li Xue paused mid-movement, turning to face her brother. A small smile tugged at her lips as she lowered her sword. "Brother," she greeted warmly, wiping the sweat from her brow. "I didn't expect to see you here."

Li Tian walked toward her, his eyes briefly scanning the training area. "I need your help."

Li Xue raised an eyebrow, sheathing her sword. "That sounds serious. What's going on?"

Without mincing words, Li Tian told her about the rogue faction, the dark forces they had hinted at, and the system's new quest to investigate their origins. He explained the gravity of the situation and the importance of gathering powerful allies to confront this new threat.

Li Xue listened intently, her expression becoming more serious as the story unfolded. When he finished, she took a deep breath, her hand gripping the hilt of her sword. "So, you need me to join you in this investigation."

"Yes," Li Tian confirmed. "I know I can trust you. And your strength... it's growing fast. You'd be a valuable ally."

Li Xue smiled at his compliment, though there was a flicker of concern in her eyes. "If you're worried about my loyalty, you don't need to be. I'll follow you, no matter where this leads."

Li Tian nodded, grateful for her unwavering support. "Good. I have one more person to recruit, and then we'll begin."

Li Tian's next stop was his father's study. As he approached the grand doors of the room, he took a moment to steady his thoughts. His father, Li Feng, had always been a difficult man to approach, and their relationship was complicated. Li Tian had spent most of his life trying to prove his worth, and though he had gained some recognition, he knew that Li Feng still saw him as just one of many potential heirs.

When Li Tian entered, he found his father sitting behind a large wooden desk, poring over ancient texts and scrolls. Li Feng looked up as his son entered, his piercing gaze assessing him as always.

"Father," Li Tian greeted with a respectful bow.

"Li Tian," Li Feng replied in his usual composed tone. "What brings you here?"

Li Tian wasted no time explaining the situation, giving his father the same details he had shared with Li Xue. Li Feng listened in silence, his fingers steepled together as he absorbed the information. When Li Tian finished, there was a long pause before his father finally spoke.

"So, you seek my support in this matter," Li Feng said, his voice measured. "You've grown stronger, Li Tian, but this is a dangerous path you are walking. The forces you speak of are not to be taken lightly."

"I understand that, Father," Li Tian replied, his tone firm but respectful. "But I believe I can handle it. With your guidance and support, I'll be able to uncover the truth behind these dark forces."

Li Feng remained silent for a moment longer, his gaze sharp and calculating. Finally, he nodded. "Very well. I will support you, but you must prove that you are ready for the responsibility that comes with facing such a threat."

Li Tian felt a surge of relief, though he kept his expression calm. "Thank you, Father."

"You will not face this alone," Li Feng added. "There are others who can assist you. I will send word to a few trusted individuals who may be able to provide aid."

Li Tian nodded, grateful for his father's offer. "I appreciate that."

With both his father and sister by his side, Li Tian felt more confident about the mission ahead. The dark forces lurking in the shadows would not be easy to defeat, but with the strength of his allies and the powerful techniques offered by the system, he knew he had a fighting chance.

Later that evening, Li Tian returned to his own quarters, the weight of the day's events settling over him. The system's quest had set him on a dangerous path, but it was one he couldn't avoid. He needed to grow stronger—faster—if he wanted to survive and protect those he cared about.

[System Notification: New Quest Added.]

Li Tian sighed as he read the next objective.

[Objective: Complete the recruitment of all necessary allies. Reward: Dragon's Breath Cultivation Technique.]

Another powerful technique. The system clearly wasn't holding back in pushing him toward the next level of power. But this quest would be far from simple. The dark forces weren't just a local problem—they were something that could affect the entire region, if not the entire world.