The moment Lin Xuan gave his silent approval, Yue stepped forward.
Her sword hummed softly, as if sensing the bloodshed to come.
Without warning—
She descended from the cliff like a falling star.
BOOM!
The ground at the entrance of the hideout shattered as Yue landed, sending dust and shockwaves rippling outward. The bandits guarding the perimeter barely had time to react before cold sword light erupted.
Slash! Slash!
Crimson arcs tore through the air. The outer guards were cut down instantly, their bodies collapsing without even understanding what had happened.
"Enemy—!"
"Ambush!"
Panic exploded throughout the mountain lair. Bandits rushed out from the caves, weapons drawn, faces twisted with confusion and rage.
But what awaited them was despair.
High above, Lin Xuan raised a single finger.
The heavens seemed to respond.
Invisible pressure descended like a divine mountain.
Boom—!
Dozens of bandits were crushed to the ground, bones shattering as they were pinned helplessly, unable to move even a single finger.
"W-What is this pressure?!"
"I can't breathe—!"
Their screams echoed throughout the mountain.
Meanwhile, Yue moved like a phantom among the crowd. Wherever her sword passed, enemies fell. Her blade danced with deadly elegance, cutting through defenses as if slicing paper.
Within mere breaths—
Half of the hideout had already been wiped clean.
The remaining bandits threw down their weapons and fled in terror.
"Run! Run for your lives!"
But there was no escape.
Lin Xuan slowly stepped forward. His eyes flashed coldly.
"None of you are leaving."
He waved his sleeve casually.
A violent gust of spiritual energy swept across the mountain like a heavenly storm.
BOOOOOOM!
The fleeing bandits were sent flying backward, slammed into the cave walls, and instantly lost all resistance.
Bloodstained dust slowly settled in the air.
As Yue and Lin Xuan stood amidst the ruin, one of the surviving bandits let out a desperate, trembling shout.
"B-Boss! Help us! We can't—!"
The air trembled suddenly, and a figure appeared atop the cliff, descending with an aura that made the remaining bandits tremble violently.
The boss's face twisted in annoyance as he landed in front of his remaining men.
"Why… why can't you kill them?!" he barked angrily, glaring at the carnage below.
His aura flared violently, revealing his cultivation level—Golden Core Realm. A wave of oppressive energy swept across the mountain, forcing the few surviving bandits to collapse to their knees.
The boss's eyes locked onto Yue, his expression darkening with a mixture of greed and amusement.
"A jade beauty…" he muttered, his voice cold but dripping with desire. "Serve this seat, and I might spare your life."
Yue's crimson eyes narrowed. Without a word, she raised her sword.
In a single, fluid motion, her blade descended.
Shing!
The boss didn't even have time to react. The sword cut through him with terrifying precision, severing his lower body completely. Blood sprayed, and his scream echoed like thunder across the mountain.
He stared at Yue in disbelief, trembling violently.
"Who… who are you?! Don't you know who's backing me?! The Black Society! You gonna regret this if you kill me!" he gasped, horror consuming his voice.
Yue's gaze was icy, unflinching.
"Black Society?" she said in a cold, calm voice. "I don't care."
Her sword moved again—swift, merciless—and finished him without hesitation.
The remaining bandits froze, their morale shattered beyond repair.
One by one, they met the same fate—sliced down like wheat before a scythe.
Within moments, the entire mountain was silent, littered with the bodies of the bandits.
Only Yue and Lin Xuan remained, standing amidst the carnage, their presence absolute, leaving no trace of mercy behind.
Lin Xuan's lips curved into a faint smile.
"Another nest of filth cleansed," he murmured.
Yue sheathed her sword, crimson eyes scanning the desolate mountain.
"All of them," she said softly, "gone. There will be no more victims from this lair."
The wind carried the echoes of their defeat, and even the forest itself seemed to bow in silence at the aftermath.
***
Five days later…
The massive gates of Cloud City loomed ahead, towering over the bustling streets like silent guardians. Carved from polished white stone, the gates shimmered faintly under the sun, adorned with golden filigree that caught the light. Massive banners fluttered in the wind, displaying the city's emblem—a simple cloud outlined in jade. Unlike Phoenix Crest City, whose name carried weight and history, the title Cloud City felt plain, almost unremarkable.
Traders, cultivators, and commoners flowed through the gates in a constant stream, their chatter and haggling blending into a lively hum. Guards clad in polished armor stood at attention, their eyes sharp but measured, scanning all who entered.
Lin Xuan and Yue approached the gate, their presence subtle yet commanding. As usual, the guards stopped them for inspection, their hands hovering near their weapons.
After a brief scrutiny, the guards nodded and allowed them through, just as smoothly unlike their previous entrance into Phoenix Crest City. No trouble, no questions—merely routine.
Once inside, the two walked through the streets, taking in the sights. Merchants shouted their wares, exotic scents filled the air, and towering buildings hinted at the city's wealth and prosperity.
Lin Xuan glanced around, his eyes calm and observant. "The name of this city is… plain," he remarked, voice low but carrying a hint of amusement. "But it seems more prosperous than the last time we visited."
Yue, meanwhile, was already sitting at a small food stall, devouring the local delicacies with the intensity of someone who hadn't eaten in days. Steam rose from bowls of noodles and roasted meat as she shoveled bite after bite into her mouth, completely absorbed.
Lin Xuan watched her silently for a moment, raising an eyebrow. He let out a soft sigh.
"After killing countless people… you have the nerve to eat like nothing happened," he thought, a mix of exasperation and disbelief flickering across his face.
Yue didn't even notice, lost in her meal, cheeks puffed out as she chewed enthusiastically.
Lin Xuan shook his head faintly, a tiny smile tugging at his lips. Some things never changed.
After finishing her meal, Yue wiped her hands on a napkin, finally letting out a satisfied sigh. Lin Xuan glanced at her and shook his head slightly.
"Come on," he said, "let's find an inn. We can't stay on the streets forever."
They walked through the bustling streets of Cloud City. Tall buildings with jade rooftops lined the avenues, their walls painted in soft pastels, giving the city a lively, yet orderly feel. Lanterns hung from every corner, swaying gently in the breeze. Street performers and merchants added color to the thoroughfare, while the scent of exotic spices and freshly baked bread filled the air.
After a brief search, they arrived at a small inn tucked between two larger merchant houses. Its signboard read "Celestial Rest Inn" in neat, golden calligraphy. A gentle tinkling of a bell announced their entrance as they stepped inside.
The inn's interior was modest but comfortable. Polished wooden floors, warm lantern light, and neatly arranged tables in the common area. A few traveling cultivators sat quietly, enjoying meals or resting. The innkeeper, a middle-aged man with a friendly smile, approached them immediately.
"Welcome, honored guests. Rooms are ready and prepared," he said politely. "May I guide you?"
Lin Xuan inclined his head slightly. "Yes. A room for two, please."
As they followed the innkeeper upstairs, Yue's eyes wandered to the large window facing the bustling streets below.
"The view here isn't bad," she murmured, her voice soft, almost content. "You can see the city from all directions, and the sunlight hits the rooftops just right…"
Lin Xuan glanced at her, noticing her rare moment of calm. "Indeed. The city seems lively… far more prosperous than Phoenix Crest City," he said thoughtfully.
Yue didn't respond, her attention still fixed on the streets below, where merchants shouted their wares and children ran in laughter.
Once in their room, Lin Xuan set his things down on a wooden table while Yue immediately moved to the window, still gazing out.
Lin Xuan let out a quiet sigh, thinking back to the recent events in the mountains.
Yue suddenly turned from the window, grinning with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Master, let's explore the city after we rest a little. I want to see what makes this place so prosperous."
Lin Xuan gave a faint nod and smile. "Very well."
The two sat quietly for a moment, the bustling city outside the window a stark contrast to the destruction they had left behind in the mountains. Soon, the sun began to dip toward the horizon, bathing Cloud City in golden light. A peaceful moment before the storm that inevitably awaited them.
***
A moment later, after wandering through the lively streets of Cloud City, Lin Xuan suddenly froze, his eyes widening in disbelief.
"What the f—" he muttered.
Across the square, a figure moved with an aura that radiated divine authority.
"…A protagonist… a female… a heroine carrying the pure providence of the heavens… a Holy Maiden?"