Book Two: Silver Storm What do you do when your past catches up with you just as you're building a new life? To protect his adoptive family from greater threats, Li Yinfeng must let them believe Bai Li is dead. With the help of the mysterious fox-spirit Li Ling, he stages his own demise and retreats to the shadows. Now he watches over his loved ones from afar as the village erupts in chaos: the elder falls from power, his family faces justice, and those Li Yinfeng protected mourn the hero they think they've lost. Li Yinfeng has left his mountain village behind and arrived in Iron Gate, where he registers with the Mercenary Guild as a bronze-ranked fighter. Working in the guild's forge by day and taking contracts by night, he discovers his unique ability extends beyond star metal—every metal he absorbs grants new powers. Silver sharpens his senses, copper improves his qi flow, gold strengthens his mental resilience. As he trains with veteran mercenary Wang Te and befriends the guild's staff, Li Yinfeng encounters the elite team "Lunar Mist" and their enigmatic priestess-healer Mei Xue. Life in the city seems promising—until an urgent mission arrives from Black Bamboo Village. Four children have vanished, taken by a yao-gui corrupted by darkness. Li Yinfeng ventures into the twisted bamboo forest to face the demon. Using his metal manipulation abilities, he orchestrates a deadly confrontation. A tale of sacrifice, shadows, and the bonds that transcend death.