The rain comes down in sheets, drumming against the ground and creating a soothing melody that's both calming and invigorating.

[ Sky Palace]

In an Open tea pavilion in the sky Palace, a man occupied it. The man was dressed in red silk robe, with long silvery white hair that cascaded and flowed like a waterfall behind him. The hair was held in place by a simple silver hairpin, making him look pure and handsome.

His features softened by the moonlight. Seated serenely, he plays the guqin with delicate, flowing movements.

The instrument's notes weave through the quiet air, blending seamlessly with tranquil ambiance.

His expression is one of deep concentration and calm, as if each note carries a piece of his soul. The scene is both captivating and serene, a perfect fusion of grace, talent and the night's gentle embrace.

The rain creates miniature taps with every note , swirling and churning.

" You are here. I have been waiting. "

Without lifting his head , he spoke. His voice was cold and detached, yet delicate in tone.

Standing poised in the rain was a male , his presence both enigmatic and intimidating. He was wearing an intricate mask that obscures his face, its design both haunting and beautiful with sharp , angular features,and dark glistening eyes peering through.

The mask's surface is a deep glossy black with silver stripes that catch the light, adding an eerie, reflective quality.

His sleek dark robe blends seamlessly with the night, and he holds a delicate white umbrella in one hand, its fabric a stark contrast to his lethal demeanor.

The raindrops slide off the umbrella's surface, creating a cascade of droplets that shimmer like falling stars. The setting is dark and moody, with the rain adding a dramatic atmosphere to his poised, silent vigil.

" Before you, there were so many, that I have lost count of. They were all sent here by different people for different reasons. " The man continued as his finger strummed the strings.

Suddenly, he stopped. There was silence except for the pitter-patter of the rain. He raised his head , squinted his eyes, and looked at the black robed man standing in the rain.

" But..... you are different. "

He got up slowly and moved around the table, standing in front it. He stretched forth his hand, creating a cut in the drops of rain.

The rain became stagnant, and suddenly launched towards the black robed man with great speed.

Just as they were an inch away from him, they suddenly stopped like they had hit a barrier and fell to the ground. The rain continued.

The man raised an eyebrow and dashed towards the black robed man in a straight line.

The masked man also dashed towards the man , while launching a series of high spinning kicks which were fast and rapid. His legs were a blur of motion, each kick aimed to break through his defenses.

Umbrella still in hand, each move the masked man executed was with grace, but there's an underlying force that could shatter mountains.

However , the red robed man anticipated every move and counterattacked with a mixture of footwork, and rapid controlled strikes. Their collision releases echoes.

Each fighter's force was unbreakable. Every move calculated for maximum efficiency. Their movement a testament of years of dedicated training and mastery.

They kept exchanging moves, the waves of energy released from their collision , disintegrated everything around them, yet the umbrella remained untouched.

Just like that, they kept fighting for hours. The rain stopped, the moon disappeared, the sun rose and set.

Another night had come, yet they were still fighting. Neither showed an expression of exhaustion. They didn't even break a sweat. And none had used a weapon, they were fighting barehanded.

" You are the first to still be alive after exchanging two moves from me. " The red robed man commented, staring into the masked man eyes.

The man chuckled, seeing the masked man indifference. " You sure are different. But who would send someone like you to me? "

The masked man stared back into his eyes, and said , " Scarlet Order. "

His voice was hoarse and gruff, the mask perfectly disguising his voice.

The red robed man eye widen , when he heard what he said, and that moment of negligence was enough for the masked man to hit him with a palm on the chest.

This hit sent the red robed man meters backwards. Red liquid seeped out of his lips.

The masked man , still holding the umbrella in one hand walked towards the fallen man.

Arriving in front of him, he crouched down . Sighing, " Don't fight it. "

The red robed man smiled, and raised his head looking into the masked man's eyes, "Humph.... The person who has the ability to kill me hasn't been born! "

The masked man sighed, and clicked his tongue. " I was being considerate. "

" Very well. Let's make this your last fight. Just try to last for a while. "

The hit earlier was destructive, and poisonous. The red robed man was having a hard time slowing down the rate at which the poison was spreading.

" I would give you two hours, then we fight. " The masked man placed a pill bottle in his hand, stood up, and walked a distance away, with his back to the red robed man.

The red robed man looked at his strong back and sighed. He sat cross-legged , popped the pill into his mouth, and closed his eyes.

Two hours later, the red robed man opened his eyes. His initial pale face was now rosy.

" You are done. We can now start. " The masked man said as he turned around to face him.

" Well ... before we start , can you be honest with me and answer my question? "

The masked man nodded.

" What is my offense? " The red robed man asked.

The masked man sighed, " I don't know. I just execute the order. "

The red robed man understood. Just like how one paid an assassin to kill someone for them, whereby the assassin does not need reason.