The Ultimate Pranker System

Chapter 15: Dancing with Danger

Adam's body tensed as he pressed himself deeper into the shadows between two shelves. Yin Xue, the sharp-eyed and ever-watchful eldest son of the Yin family, was the last person Adam wanted to encounter during his infiltration. The young master's reputation for cruelty and vigilance preceded him, and Adam couldn't afford to underestimate the man.

The faint glow of the lantern bobbed closer, casting flickering light across the library's wooden floor. Yin Xue's steps were unhurried yet purposeful. He seemed to be searching for something—or someone.

"Where is it…" Yin Xue muttered under his breath, his tone clipped with irritation. He moved from shelf to shelf, occasionally pausing to inspect a scroll or tome before setting it aside.

Adam's heartbeat thundered in his ears, but his mind remained sharp. His enhanced physique from the Tier 1 Physique Pill gave him better stamina and control, but even with that, a direct confrontation with Yin Xue was suicide.

"Think, Adam," he told himself silently. "What's your move?"

Cost: 5 System Points

Adam's eyes widened. "Stealth Mode? You've been holding out on me," he thought.

"Activate it."

Duration: 10 minutes. User's presence is masked, reducing sound and spiritual energy signature. Visibility reduced by 75%.>

As the system's power enveloped him, Adam felt his body grow lighter, almost ethereal. The air around him seemed to shimmer, and the faint noises of his breathing and heartbeat faded into silence.

Yin Xue passed within inches of Adam's hiding spot, his sharp gaze scanning the shelves. For a moment, Adam feared the man would sense something amiss, but Yin Xue moved on, muttering under his breath.

"I know someone's been here," Yin Xue said softly. "The guards saw footprints leading this way."

Adam cursed inwardly. He had been careful, but not careful enough. Yin Xue's instincts were razor-sharp, and the slightest slip-up could give him away.

The young master stopped near the shelf Adam had been inspecting earlier. His hand hovered over the space where the Scarlet River Technique scroll had been stored, his expression darkening.

"Gone," Yin Xue growled. "Who would dare?"

Adam's grip tightened on the scroll hidden beneath his robes. He had to leave—now.

Using the cover of Stealth Mode, Adam began to move, his steps silent as he edged toward the library's exit. Yin Xue's back was turned, his attention focused on the empty shelf.

But just as Adam reached the door, Yin Xue froze.

"Wait…" Yin Xue said, his voice low but dangerous. He turned slowly, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the room. "There's something off."

Adam's breath caught. Even with Stealth Mode, he couldn't afford to linger. He slipped through the door as silently as he could, closing it just enough to avoid drawing attention.

Outside, the corridor was dark and empty. Adam moved quickly but carefully, heading back toward the slave quarters.

The system's energy faded, and Adam felt the weight of his body return. He leaned against the wall, exhaling softly.

"That was too close," he muttered.

But there was no time to dwell on the danger. He had what he came for, and now he needed to study it.

Back in the safety of his corner of the slave quarters, Adam unrolled the Scarlet River Technique scroll. The characters glowed faintly in the dim light, a testament to the technique's quality.

Cost: 10 System Points

Adam hesitated. Ten points was a steep price, especially after the recent drain from activating Stealth Mode. But the benefits of a mid-grade cultivation technique far outweighed the cost.

"Do it," he said.

Adam felt a rush of energy as the knowledge of the technique flooded his mind. The principles of the Scarlet River Technique were clear and precise, focusing on balancing aggression and control. It was a method that resonated with Adam's own personality—calculated, yet relentless.

He immediately began practicing the technique, drawing spiritual energy from the environment and channeling it into his core. The process was smoother and more efficient than before, and he could feel his cultivation progressing at a faster rate.

Hours passed, and by the time dawn approached, Adam opened his eyes to a new notification.

Adam clenched his fists, a smirk playing on his lips. The progress was undeniable. He was growing stronger, step by step.

But strength alone wasn't enough. If he wanted to escape the Yin family and rise to power, he needed allies, resources, and more opportunities to exploit.

For now, though, he had achieved his goal. The banquet had sown discord among the family, and his new cultivation technique had pushed him closer to his ambitions.

As the first rays of sunlight filtered through the cracks in the walls, Adam allowed himself a moment of satisfaction.

"The cracks are starting to show," he murmured. "And when the foundation collapses, I'll be the one standing on top."

End of Chapter 15