Ying hui peak stood shrouded in mist ,it's jagged edges Reaching towards the heaven for centuries, this mountain had been a witness to countless duels - some honourable, others drenched in treachery. Today whispers of yet another confrontation filled the streets of the bustling town at its base.
Fifteen days from now, the Demon lord, Xingmu, and eternal lotus sect's leader, Lian yu, would face eachother in combat - a match many claimed would alter the balance of the martial word.
The news of the challenge had spreda like wildfire, drawing martial artist, marchants, and commoners alike to yinghui. Taverns overflowed with spectators eager to catch the glimpse of the Demon lord of hear tales of his cruelty. In one such inn the scent of roasted meat mingled with the clamor of chatter and clinking cups.
At a corner table, Lian yue sat with her friend, Li hua. Unlike the chaos around them, their table exuded calm.
Lian yue's whilte robes, embroidered with silver lotuses, reflected the discipline of her sect. Her seren demeanor was in stark contrast to Li hua, who chattered endlessly while nibbling on steamed buns.
"Yue-er, you can't be serious about this duel", Li hua said between bites, her tone tinged with worry."your brother, as strong as he is, doesn't stand a chance against that...monster."
Lian yue looked up from her untouched tea. Her dark pheonix-shapped eyes carried a quiet determination.
"Li, my brother has trained for years. The demon lord may be stronge, but justice will prevail. It always does."
Before Li hua could respond, the inn's door creaked open, drawing a gust of cold air and the attention of everyone inside. Two man stepped in, their presence commanding the room without efforts .
The first wore striking crimson coloured robes, his long black hair tied loosely at his back. His sharp features and confident stride hinted at someone accustomed to power.
The second man in muted grey, followed like a shadow - silent, watchful, and dangerous in his stillness.
The crimson coloured - Robbed man scanned the crowded room ,his golden eyes fluting like molten amber as they settled on Lian yue and Li hua's table. A small smile played on his lips as he approached.
"Ladies", he said, his voice smooth, "may we join you?It seems the rest of the seats are taken."
Li hua frowned, glancing around the room."There are plenty of seats-"
"Li", Lian yue interupled, her tone polite but firm. She offered the man a nod."It's fine.please, have a seat we were just about to leave anyway."
The man in crimson raised a brow but said nothing as he and his companion sta down. He gestured for the waiter and others without even glancing at the menu.
"I'm Xingtian," he said, his gaze lingering on Lian yue."and this is my companion,Zhao xi. We are humble disciples of a small and nameless sect. Here to witness the grand duel, like everyone else."
Lian yue studied him carefully. There was an air of refinement about him, but his demeanor was far too relaxed for a mere disciple. Still, she chose her words carefully.
"I'm Lian yue, and this is my friend, Li hua. We're travelers passing through."
Xingtian's eyes flickered to the jad earring dangling from her ears." Those are remarkable earrings," He remarked. "A unique design.May I ask where you got them?"
Before Lian yue could respond Li hua grinned mischievously. "Why? Are you planning to buy some for your wife?"
Xingtian's lips curled up, but his tone remained calm. "I'm not married," he replied. "I was merely curious. They seem.... significant."
Lian yue shot Li hua a glance, silencing her she touched one of the jade earrings lightly. "They were a gift," she said simply. "From my elder brother."
Xingtian's smile faltered for the briefest moment, his fingers tightening around his cup. "A thoughtful gift," he said his voice betraying none of the emotions swirling within him.
Before ther conversation could continue the waiter arrived with their meals. Lian yue seized the moment to stand. "Enjoy your meal," she said, bowing slightly." We'll take our leave."
As she and Li hua exited the inn, Li hua whispered,"Yue-er, you never talk this much. What was that about?"
"They're not ordinary people", Lian yue replied, her tone thoughtful" didn't you notice? The dragons jade tassel on his belt."
Two man loitered near the arcade, their eyes darting between the playing children and the young woman passing by. Their moments subtle but predatory.
"Those two," Li hua whispered."I saw them at the inn earlier. They're on the wanted bulletin."
Lian yue's gaze hardened."stay here,"she said,stepping forward. But a voice interrupted her "we meet again, ladies." Xingtian said smoothly, appearing seemingly out of nowhere. His golden eyes gleamed with something unreadable.
Lian yue turned to him, her expression guarded. "Mr. Xing i have urgent matters to attend to. I'll take my leave."
"Are you after those man?" Xingtian asked, " we saw them too. My companion and I can help our martial skills may not compare to yours, but we know a thing or two."
Lian yue hesitated. She wanted to refuse, but the criminals were already slipping into the crowd."fine" she said "let's Go."
The threebof then pursued those man through the bustling streets, eventually cornering them in a deserted alley. The fight that followed was brief but intense.
Xingtian's movements were precise and efficient, his every strike calculated.
At one point, a blade came dangerously close to Lian yue, but xingtian blocked it , taking a cut to his arm.
"You're hurt," Lian yue said afterward, her tone uncharacteristically soft as she bandaged his wound.
"It's nothing",Xingtian replied, watching her with an unreadable expression.