Chapter 48: Wu Shu told me
After the final cup was drained and the last words spoken, Xiao Ning flicked his sleeve gently. A faint flash of spiritual light passed through the air, and three thin, talisman slips appeared before the seated men, floating in midair.
"These are one-way sound transmission talismans," he said plainly. "They’re linked directly to me. No one else will be able to trace or intercept them—not even someone a realm higher."
Du San blinked. "One-way?"
Xiao Ning nodded. "If you use them, I will hear. If I wish to speak, I will find you."
He flicked his fingers, and each talisman gently floated down before Du San, Xu Jie, and Liu Qing.
The three men looked at the talismans with a mix of curiosity and caution. Du San reached out first, catching his with both hands before carefully tucking it into his robe. Liu Qing examined his for a moment, nodded silently, and stored it as well. Xu Jie didn’t say anything, but his eyes stayed locked on Xiao Ning for a moment longer.
"Don’t use them unless absolutely necessary," Xiao Ning added. "If you do—be brief."
Without another word, Xiao Ning turned and left.
He neither walked nor flew, but his figure simply blurred and vanished entirely.
***
Not far from the Ironclad Mountain Range where the headquarters of the Shadowclaw Sect stood, a faint ripple spread through the sky.