The road back to Blackstone City felt… different.
Not quieter.
Not safer.
But heavier.
After the Battle
Lin Feng walked steadily through the broken terrain, the night wind brushing against his skin. His body still carried the marks of the fight—cuts, bruises, fatigue—but his steps didn't slow.
If anything—
They felt more grounded.
More certain.
"…That was worth it," he muttered.
Not just the mission.
Not just the fight.
But everything.
The pressure.
The growth.
And—
Su Yao.
A Thought That Lingered
He exhaled slowly.
"…She wasn't normal."
Strong.
But not just strong.
Refined.
Controlled.
Different from anyone he had fought so far.
Lin Feng smirked slightly.
"…Guess I've got another target now."
Approaching the City
By the time the first hint of dawn touched the horizon—
Blackstone City came into view.
The massive dark walls stood tall as ever, unmoving, unchanging.
But for Lin Feng—
Everything had shifted.
Recognition at the Gate
As he approached the entrance—
The guards noticed him immediately.
One of them narrowed his eyes slightly.
"…You're the arena fighter."
Lin Feng didn't stop walking.
"Something like that."
The guard didn't block him.
Didn't question him.
Instead—
He stepped aside.
Respect.
Back Into the Chaos
The moment Lin Feng entered—
The city greeted him with its usual noise.
Shouting.
Trading.
Movement.
But now—
People noticed him.
More than before.
Whispers followed his steps.
"That's him…"
"The one from the arena…"
"He won three in a row…"
A Name Spreading
Lin Feng didn't react outwardly.
But he heard it.
Felt it.
His presence—
Had weight now.
No Time to Rest
He didn't head for an inn.
Didn't stop for food.
Instead—
He went straight back to the compound.
The Gates Open Again
This time—
The gates opened before he even reached them.
No delay.
No question.
Someone was expecting him.
Inside Once More
The courtyard felt the same.
Quiet.
Still.
But Lin Feng's steps were more confident now.
He wasn't just a visitor anymore.
The Man Awaits
The same middle-aged man sat at the center.
Unchanged.
Calm.
Watching.
"You're back."
Lin Feng stopped in front of him.
"Mission's done."
No Surprise
The man nodded.
"I know."
Lin Feng raised an eyebrow.
"You didn't even ask how it went."
The man smiled faintly.
"If you had failed…"
"You wouldn't be here."
Simple Logic
Lin Feng chuckled.
"…Fair enough."
Acknowledgment
The man studied him for a moment.
"You fought multiple opponents."
"Two at Core Condensation."
Lin Feng didn't react.
"…And?"
Approval Given
"You passed."
Short.
Direct.
But meaningful.
The Reward
The man raised his hand slightly.
A small pouch appeared on the stone table between them.
"Heavier than before," he said calmly.
Lin Feng picked it up.
Weighed it.
"…Nice."
But That Wasn't All
"Money is irrelevant at your level," the man continued.
"What matters is what comes next."
Lin Feng's interest sharpened.
"…I'm listening."
A Seat at the Table
The man leaned forward slightly.
"You've proven your strength."
"Now you gain access."
Lin Feng tilted his head.
"Access to what?"
The Real World
"To information."
"To opportunities."
"To the things that actually matter."
He paused.
"And to enemies worth fighting."
That Last Part
Lin Feng smiled.
"That's more like it."
A Shift in Status
"You are no longer an outsider," the man said.
"But you are not yet one of us either."
Lin Feng crossed his arms.
"So what am I?"
The Answer
"A rising piece."
No Complaints
Lin Feng nodded slowly.
"…I can work with that."
A New Mission Approaches
The man continued—
"There are movements within the city."
"Other factions have noticed you."
Lin Feng smirked.
"Let me guess… not all friendly."
Exactly
The man didn't smile this time.
"No."
"They will test you."
"Some openly."
"Others… quietly."
A Subtle Warning
Lin Feng's eyes narrowed slightly.
"…Assassins?"
The man didn't deny it.
Excitement Returns
Instead of concern—
Lin Feng's grin widened.
"…Good."
"I was getting bored."
A Small Pause
The man studied him again.
Then said—
"You met someone last night."
Instant Recognition
Lin Feng's expression didn't change.
But his mind clicked instantly.
"…You know about her."
No Name Given
The man didn't say Su Yao's name.
But—
"I know enough."
Interest Confirmed
"She's not someone you should ignore."
Lin Feng smirked slightly.
"Wasn't planning to."
Cliffhanger
The man leaned back.
"For now…"
"Rest."
"Recover."
"Because what comes next—"
He paused.
His gaze sharpened slightly.
"Will not be as simple as last night."
Final Note
As Lin Feng turned to leave—
He felt it again.
That subtle shift in the city.
Like invisible threads were beginning to tighten.
Around him.
Around everyone.
And somewhere within Blackstone City—
Plans were already being made.