Chapter 10: Flames of Deception
The towering walls of Emberhold City rose before them like a mountain of blackstone, glowing faintly under the light of the crimson mana lamps. Defensive arrays shimmered along its battlements, radiating enough heat to melt steel. The massive gate—arched like a phoenix's wings—was guarded by soldiers in scarlet armor, their halberds wreathed in flames.
Chen Yue walked beside Lina, his hood drawn low, concealing his features. His Qi pulsed faintly beneath his skin, controlled and compressed to avoid detection. Beside him, Lina wore a plain cloak, hiding her fiery hair.
The scent of burning incense and molten metal filled the air. Merchants shouted, hawking enchanted weapons, beast hides, and glowing mana stones. Adventurers in rugged armor strode past, laughing loudly, their swords clanging against their hips.
Lina glanced around nervously. "I haven't been here in weeks. If Kaelen or the Pyre Council finds me…"
Chen Yue's voice was calm. "They won't. Not yet."
Her gaze flicked to him. "You sound certain."
"I don't rely on certainty," he replied. "I rely on strength."
The City of Fire and Shadows
They entered the bustling Crimson Market, where stalls overflowed with mana artifacts and shimmering potions. Elemental beasts, bound by chains of flame, snarled from iron cages. Mana crystals glowed like jewels under the scarlet lanterns.
As they walked, whispers trailed behind them. Lina was known here—Emberhold's Flame Princess, a prodigy of fire magic. Though her cloak concealed her, her presence was hard to mask completely.
"Someone's watching us," Chen Yue murmured without moving his lips.
Lina stiffened. "Kaelen?"
"No. Someone else. Stay close."
The Assassin's Test
They turned into a narrow alley to avoid the crowd—and that's when it happened.
A faint hiss. A blade flashed like silver lightning.
Chen Yue tilted his head slightly. The dagger cut nothing but air as he caught the attacker's wrist with two fingers, his grip like steel.
A figure emerged from the shadows—a young woman, her body clad in tight black leather, her face half-covered by a crimson scarf. Her eyes, however, were what caught Chen Yue's attention—emerald green, sharp as a dagger's edge.
"Impressive reflexes," she said softly, her voice like silk laced with venom. She twisted, trying to break free, but Chen Yue's grip didn't budge.
"Who sent you?" he asked calmly.
"No one," she replied with a smirk. "I just wanted to see if the rumors were true. The outsider who humiliated Seris Pyre."
Lina stepped forward, fury flashing in her eyes. "Who are you?!"
The assassin pulled back her hood, revealing a cascade of raven-black hair. "Name's Sylvia. Some call me the Emerald Fang. Assassin, adventurer, and sometimes… information broker." Her lips curled into a mischievous smile. "And right now, I think I've found someone interesting."
Chen Yue's eyes narrowed. "You tried to kill me."
She laughed lightly. "If I wanted you dead, you'd be bleeding already. That was just a test."
"Congratulations," Chen Yue said, releasing her wrist. "You failed."
Sylvia tilted her head, amusement flickering in her eyes. "Or maybe I succeeded. You're strong—strong enough to shake Emberhold. I like that."
A Dangerous Offer
Sylvia twirled her dagger before sheathing it. "Word is, the Pyre Council has put a price on your head. Fifty platinum cores for the man who brought Seris Pyre to her knees."
Lina's face darkened. "They would dare—"
"Of course they would," Sylvia cut in smoothly. "Kaelen's pride took a hit, and Seris… well, let's just say she's not the type to forgive. They'll keep sending Shadows until one of them brings back your head."
Chen Yue's eyes were calm. "And what do you want?"
Sylvia smiled. "A partnership. You're strong. I'm… useful. Information, infiltration, assassination—whatever you need. In exchange, you keep me alive when Emberhold burns."
Lina hissed, "You think we'll trust an assassin?"
Sylvia's emerald eyes glinted. "You don't have to trust me. Just keep me close. And maybe… you'll find I'm worth more than gold."
Chen Yue studied her for a long moment. Something about her confidence, the way she spoke without fear—it intrigued him.
Finally, he said, "Fine. For now."
Sylvia's smile widened. "Wise choice, handsome."
The Storm Gathers
As they exited the alley, the crimson banners of Emberhold flapped in the night wind. Far above, in the Pyre Council Hall, Kaelen stood before a circle of robed elders, his golden eyes blazing with fury.
"He humiliated Seris," Kaelen snarled. "And now he walks our streets. This… outsider. This cultivator."
An old man's voice rasped from the shadows. "Then burn the city if you must. But bring him to his knees."
Kaelen's lips curled into a savage smile. "I will. And I'll make her watch."
Far below, in the heart of Emberhold, Chen Yue glanced at the glowing towers in the distance. His fists tightened.
He could feel it—the storm was coming. And when it broke, blood and flames would flood the streets.
Chapter End Teaser:
Next Chapter (11): "The Emberhold Arena" – Chen Yue enters the grand combat tournament to hide in plain sight, but the Pyre family sets a deadly trap. Meanwhile, Lina approaches her first breakthrough, and Sylvia reveals her true intentions…