Lian Xue's palm trembled as it hovered over the forbidden manual that had resurfaced within him. His vision became clouded with the vestiges of power, brief memories of his old existence, and the picture of the shadow beast he had called. The beast's flickering form appeared to stare back at him, its hollow eyes throbbing with old energy, as if judging his every movement.
Yun Fei's look was icy. "You are still clinging to this, Lian Xue?" His voice was filled with disdain. "That manual is nothing but a trap; it is tainted. "Exactly like you."
Lian Xue's lips parted, and for a little period, he reflected on the life he had lost. The riches, the power, and the infinite respect are all gone. The Tianlan Sect, the Ashling of Time, the path to power that once stretched out before him like an endless ocean. The treachery had left him with only the scars from his past.
"I don't need your pity," Lian Xue said, his voice hoarse. "I'll rebuild."
He straightened and pushed himself up with unsteady legs. The Hounds, still circling like wolves, snarled softly in their throats. The air was thick with tension, and Lian Xue felt the weight of history crushing down on his shoulders. For a brief period, the world appeared to hold its breath, anticipating the next move.
Yun Fei took a step forward, his smile gone, replaced by a hard, determined expression. "If you want to rebuild, you must first accept defeat. Kneel, Lian Xue, and I will restore the power you have lost. I will even restore your sect. "All you need to do is submit."
Lian Xue's eyes narrowed. He was once a proud Tianlan Sect disciple, but the notion of bowing to Yun Fei was terrible. Bitterness surged in his throat like bile.
"No."
The single word hung in the air as a challenge.
In that moment, Lian Xue's spirit blazed, sparking an underlying fury within him. His hand lunged forward, and for the first time in years, his body responded—but not in the way he had hoped. The Ashling of Time did not wield overpowering power. No. It was something else. A piece of the forbidden path, something raw and primal.
The ground trembled beneath his feet.
Yun Fei's eyes widened with dread as Lian Xue's power increased. He rushed with unbelievable speed, a blur, as his hand shot out to grab Lian Xue by the throat. "Do you dare defy me?" You'll come to regret that."
Yun Fei's fingers gripped tighter, and a bone-shattering crack resonated around the alley. Lian Xue's vision swam, and his breath stopped as he strained to get free.
But then something unusual occurred.
A low, guttural snarl permeated the air. The hounds came to a halt, their ears flattened and their eyes wide with fright. Yun Fei's grasp eased for only a second, but it was enough.
In that brief instant, Lian Xue's body transformed. His survival instincts kicked in. He twisted his hand, sending it out in a frantic, forceful arc.
A terrible thud resounded through the air as Lian Xue's knuckles impacted with Yun Fei's side. The Enforcer's body jolted back, and his grip loosened completely as he staggered.
For a brief moment, time slowed.
Lian Xue's chest heaved, but it wasn't enough. His body burned, and his might remained a distant echo. He was weak. Weak beyond reason. However, there was no choice. There was.
Yun Fei's eyes narrowed with disgust. He slowly stood up straight, wiping blood from his lips. "You've changed, Lian Xue. I expected more."
Lian Xue's gaze locked onto his former friend. The embers of his old self stirred, but they were so far out of reach.
The Hounds roared again, but this time something else happened: a clash of steel, the clear sound of a blade meeting bone. A man emerged from the shadows and stepped between Lian Xue and Yun Fei.
A woman.
She wore the ragged robes of a rogue farmer, her dark hair trailing after her like a shadow. A gleam of silver flashed in her fingers, revealing a blade sharp and dazzling like a shard of moonlight.
Yun Fei spit out, "Han Sooyeon." "What is this?" "You dare to interfere?"
The woman did not answer. Her blade shimmered as she stood between the two guys, her stance firm and unwavering. Her steely eyes were locked firmly on Yun Fei.
Lian Xue blinked. He didn't know her, but her posture and vibe felt familiar.
Her eyes flicked to him. "Move. If you don't want to die here today."
Lian Xue's breath caught, and a peculiar sensation bubbled inside him. She wasn't just a rogue cultivator; she was dangerous. He could feel it. Her aura was wild and unpredictable, yet it was full of raw, uncontrolled power.
The woman struck as swiftly as she appeared. Her blade moved quicker than Lian Xue could keep up, ripping through the air with a red arc.
Yun Fei had little time to react. He blocked, but the force of the attack threw him backward, falling into a wall.
The ground rocked again.
As the dust settled and Yun Fei struggled to his feet, Lian Xue's thoughts raced. Who was this?
woman? Why did she come to his aid? Was she an ally or a piece in the Empire's game?
And most importantly, could he trust her?