Underneath The Moonlit Night

Chapter 57 - Infiltrating The Hidden Manor

Lan Xichen, accompanied by Lan Wangji, Wei Wuxian, Lan Haoran, and Lan Xinming, concealed themselves amidst the dense foliage surrounding the obscure forest passage. Two imposing figures, clad in dark garbs, stood guard at its entrance. Half-faced masks obscured their features, leaving only their mouths exposed to the dim light filtering through the trees.

In the center stood another figure, similarly veiled in the attire of the manor's guards. A mask concealed the upper half of their face, lending an air of mystery to their presence. It was clear they served as the gatekeeper, ready to usher visitors towards the Manor upon presentation of the coveted Daiche Medallion—a symbol of entry into the clandestine auction set to unfold within the depths of the woods.

Once the pride of a wealthy lord during Yi City's heyday, the estate now lay in desolation, its once-grand façade marred by time and neglect. Its crumbling walls bore witness to the passage of years, a stark reminder of bygone prosperity. Nestled far from the city's bustling streets, it stood secluded amidst the thick forest, its true nature shrouded in secrecy by the dense canopy and tangled undergrowth that concealed its approach.

Lan Xichen and his companions maintained a vigilant watch as members of the Dache Organization began to arrive. Each figure donned a distinctive half-faced golden mask, embellished with seven stars that traced a path from the left temple to the right, casting a glimmering aura in the dim light of the forest. Swathed in black capes that obscured their forms, they bore only the gleaming medallion around their necks. These tokens of membership glinted in the dim light, casting a subtle glow against the backdrop of the gathering shadows.

Periodically, groups arrived bearing carts laden with sealed cargo boxes, adding an air of mystery to the proceedings. These crates, their contents hidden from prying eyes, were promptly escorted by four masked guards towards a discreet entrance at the rear of the estate, their movements swift and purposeful, hinting at the clandestine dealings unfolding within the shadows.

Lan Xichen and his companions had seamlessly assimilated into their disguises, mirroring the appearance of Daiche members with uncanny accuracy. Draped in the attire of traveling merchants, they sported the coveted Daiche Medallions around their necks—except for the genuine one adorning Lan Xinming's person. Each of the counterfeit medallions, meticulously crafted and duplicated by the red-hooded man's group, stood as a testament to their mastery in the art of deception.

"I don't like the look of this," Lan Haoran murmured, his voice barely audible over the rustle of leaves as he observed the arrival of the suspicious figures. Through the shadows, he cast a disappointed glance towards Lan Ximing, his expression betraying a mix of concern and disbelief. "I still can't believe that you're a part of this highly illegal criminal organization."

Lan Ximing remained silent, his posture tense as he averted his gaze, the weight of his father's disappointment heavy upon him.

"When should we make our move, Ze Wu Jun?" Wei Wuxian inquired, positioned behind Lan Xichen amidst the enveloping darkness of the forest.

"We wait for their signal," Lan Xichen replied calmly, referring to the red-hooded man and his associates. Wei Wuxian nodded in understanding, ready to follow Lan Xichen's lead.

Lan Xichen's gaze remained fixed on the entrance, his thoughts consumed by the events that transpired four days prior. A pact forged in shadow with the mysterious figure cloaked in crimson, their whispered promises aimed at purging the cancerous tendrils of illegal enterprises from the heart of Gusu.

Following the red-hooded man's departure from the Cloud Recesses, Lan Xichen turned to his cousin, Lord Lan Haoran, with a grave request. He implored Haoran to leave his son, Lan Xinming, under the vigilant care of the Lan disciples within the confines of their sanctuary. Lan Xinming would be kept under constant watch, safeguarded day and night until their departure for Yi City. Though a veil of worry and disappointment shrouded his countenance, Lan Haoran yielded reluctantly to Lan Xichen's request, his heart heavy with concern for his only son.