WHAT! I Have To Kill Heaven's Son To Live!

The leader frowned, his gaze flicking back to Reon. "You're right... I've seen him too. Somewhere. But where?"

His voice dropped, tinged with frustration. "Maybe it's the exhaustion from tracking that traitor bastard and battling that accursed beast. My memory feels too clouded to piece it together right now."

"W-wait, could it be... the traitor? Yin Shan, quickly take out the Mystic Vision Stone that Young Master Niu's maid gave us to confirm his face!"

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The Mystic Vision Stone is a sophisticated artifact crafted using advanced runic inscriptions and rare crystalline materials. Its primary function is to capture the image of an individual or scene with astonishing clarity.

Often used by powerful sects and noble families, the Mystic Vision Stone is invaluable for identifying individuals or preserving portraits.

To activate it, one channels a small amount of Spiritual Qi into the stone, which then projects an image onto its surface, creating a permanent, magical "snapshot." This artifact is highly sought after for reconnaissance missions, identification purposes, and even artistic endeavors due to its accuracy.

The Shadow Recording Stone, on the other hand, is a more dynamic artifact, designed for capturing not just static images but ongoing events.

Using a similar combination of runes and crystals, this artifact records both visuals and sound, preserving the details within its enchanted structure.

Once activated, it can capture and store the essence of any event, storing it for later playback. To replay the recording, the stone must be infused with Spiritual Qi, which projects the captured scene in vivid detail, much like a magical hologram.

While the Mystic Vision Stone is prized for its precision in capturing still imagery, the Shadow Recording Stone is revered for its ability to chronicle entire events, making it an indispensable tool for investigations and documentation.

The grade of these stones determines not only the quantity and duration of preserved images or recordings but also their quality.

Higher-grade stones can store data for significantly extended periods, ranging from several years to even thousands of years, while maintaining exceptional clarity and detail in the captured imagery and recordings.

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"Wait a moment, Big Brother, I'll check right away," Yin Shan said eagerly, his hands moving swiftly.

He retrieved the Mystic Vision Stone from his Sect Spatial Ring with the utmost care. The stone gleamed faintly under the light, its intricate patterns etched into its surface giving it an air of sophistication.

Despite being only a Grade-2 Mystic Vision Stone, capable of preserving images for up to five years, it was still a luxurious and highly expensive item—far beyond the reach of an average Inner Sect disciple.

Yin Shan held the stone delicately, as though it were a treasure. With a deep breath, he carefully channeled his Spiritual Qi into it.

The stone pulsed faintly, resonating with the energy as a soft hum filled the air. Slowly, a translucent image began to materialize above it, shimmering like a mirage before solidifying into a vivid projection.

It was the image of Xue Taiyang, captured in striking detail at the moment it had been stored.

"Big Brother, look," Yin Shan said, holding the stone steady in his hand as he turned to the leader with a mix of urgency . "This is the picture of that traitor."

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Reon observed them closely, his sharp gaze not missing a single detail. Though their hushed voices were too faint for him to catch the words, he could clearly recognize the Mystic Vision Stone in their hands. His instincts immediately told him that something was wrong.

His grip tightened on the hilt of his sword, his mind racing with questions. They aren't here for me... not for Xue Taiyang, at least. But what are they looking at that stone for? What are they trying to confirm? Is it something about this little one?

His thoughts shifted to the small white cat. Their eyes had been on her from the start, and Reon couldn't help but wonder if there was something more to her than he initially thought. Why are they so fixated on her? Is there something special about her?

Reon's gaze lingered on the little feline, watching her delicate features as she sat quietly beside Cloudia. His heart tightened. Special or not, she's mine now. She reminds me too much of the cat I lost in my previous life... His resolve hardened. No one is taking her away from me—not them, not anyone.

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As the leader continued to stare at the image materializing in the air, his expression twisted from confusion to sheer shock. His eyes darted between the image of Reon and the projection of Xue Taiyang, trying to reconcile the two.

"Hmmm... This face... it looks exactly like Xue Taiyang's," the leader muttered under his breath, his voice strained with disbelief. "But this outer sect disciple, he's... much healthier. Xue Taiyang always seemed so fragile, weak... How can this be?"

His brows furrowed deeper as a sudden thought struck him. "Wait... didn't Xue Taiyang also have a Mist Cloud Fox with him? This bastard... he has one too."

The leader's voice trailed off, the weight of his realization sinking in, and the pieces of the puzzle clicked into place. "That can only mean..." His words faltered as the truth dawned on him.