The sun had barely risen when Li YiTing received word of a covert gathering of rogue spirit mages. The message came through the MagiNet, cloaked in secrecy but urgent nonetheless. She knew this could be their chance to form valuable alliances—and perhaps find some much-needed support for their cause. Without hesitation, she informed Chen Yi, KuiFong, and MeiEr about the meeting.

  "We have to attend," Li YiTing insisted, her eyes alight with determination. "This could be our chance to strengthen our position and find allies."

  Chen Yi, ever cautious, narrowed his eyes. "Are you sure it's safe?"

  "As safe as anything is these days," Li YiTing replied dryly. "But we can't afford to miss this opportunity."

  After some deliberation, they decided that KuiFong and MeiEr would accompany Li YiTing to the gathering. Chen Yi would stay behind to maintain a low profile and keep watch over their hideout—a decision no one argued with, given his knack for blending into shadows.

  The trio set out under the cover of dawn, their hearts pounding with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. They navigated the labyrinthine streets of LongFeng City, guided by Li YiTing's knowledge of secret pathways and hidden corners. Along the way, KuiFong managed to trip over a loose cobblestone, sending a startled cat yowling into the air. MeiEr stifled a giggle, though her nervous energy was palpable.

  Finally, they arrived at a nondescript building on the outskirts of the city. Its faded facade gave no indication of the clandestine activities within. Li YiTing led the way, her steps confident despite the tension in the air.

  Inside, they were met with wary gazes from the assembled rogue spirit mages. The room was dimly lit, the faint glow of spirit wards casting eerie shadows on the walls. At the front stood Wei Ning, a tall and imposing figure who commanded attention without saying a word.

  Wei Ning raised a hand to silence the murmurs. "Thank you all for coming," he began, his voice carrying authority. "We gather today to discuss our next steps and strengthen our alliances. But first, I see we have some new faces among us."

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  His gaze landed on Li YiTing and her companions. "Who are these newcomers?"

  Li YiTing stepped forward, her expression resolute. "I am Li YiTing, and these are my companions, OuYang KuiFong and OuYang MeiEr, survivors of LongTu village."

  At the mention of LongTu village, a ripple of recognition passed through the room. The massacre had spread covertly through the MagiNet, and many of the rogue spirit mages were familiar with the tragic events.

  "We've come seeking allies in our fight against the oppression of commoners," Li YiTing continued.

  Her introduction was met with murmurs of curiosity—and skepticism. A man with a stern expression and a weathered face stepped forward. This was Ren Shu, a seasoned rogue spirit mage known for his strong opinions and uncompromising demeanor.

  "Commoners?" Ren Shu scoffed, his eyes narrowing. "You bring commoners into our midst? Are you out of your mind, Li YiTing?"

  KuiFong bristled at the insult, but MeiEr placed a calming hand on his arm. Li YiTing held her ground, meeting Ren Shu's gaze with unwavering determination.

  "These 'commoners' have proven themselves capable and resourceful," she replied firmly. "They possess magic, just as we do. It is time we put aside our prejudices and unite against our true enemies."

  "Prejudices?" Another voice rang out, this time from a mage hidden in the shadows. "You risk exposing us all by involving commoners. Can we trust them not to betray us?"

  More voices joined in, some echoing the concerns, while others pushed for unity.

  "Unity is our only hope," a female mage argued. "The nobles are growing more oppressive. We need all the allies we can get."

  "But can they be trusted?" a skeptical mage countered. "We barely know them!"

  Wei Ning raised his hand again to regain control of the meeting. "Enough," he commanded. "We will hear them out. Li YiTing, explain why you believe these newcomers deserve our trust."

  Li YiTing took a deep breath and began to speak. "These 'commoners' have been through trials as severe as ours, if not more so. They have been persecuted and hunted, yet they continue to fight for a cause that benefits all of us. They are not just commoners; they are mages who wield real magic, and their skills can be of great value to our struggle."

  The room erupted into heated debate once more. Some of the rogue spirit mages supported Li YiTing's call for unity, while others, like Ren Shu, vehemently opposed the inclusion of commoners. Tensions flared, and it seemed as though the gathering might descend into chaos.