```
...
The wind struck the wooden window, toppling a jade vase on the windowsill, and a delicate Rain Orchid fell to the ground.
The shattering of the vase startled Ruan Muhuan, who was entering into a state of emptiness; though she did not look back, she heard an unusual sound in the wind.
It was like the sound of footsteps, wet and squelching on the clean wooden floor.
Ruan Muhuan knew that the person approaching was not the familiar one, and at the same time, the Ominous Bronze Spear guarding her side had entered into a state of alert, emitting bursts of chilling breath.
"Indeed, as I expected..."
A voice sounded, its tone laced with a tinge of cold mockery.
