The sun dipped below the horizon as Tang Xiu and his companions approached the outskirts of Yunhe City. The bustling town was known for its martial arts tournaments and underground exchanges, attracting fighters, merchants, and treasure hunters alike.
Tang Xiu chose to avoid the main streets, leading Lei Xian and Xu Liang to a quiet inn on the edge of the city. The place was unassuming, with its faded sign and creaky doors, but it served their purpose—secrecy.
"Yunhe City is filled with eyes and ears," Tang Xiu said, glancing at his companions as they settled into their rooms. "We'll keep a low profile for now, but be prepared. The Shadow Sect won't wait long to strike."
Later that night, Tang Xiu sat cross-legged on the wooden floor of his room, meditating. The flow of qi in this world was thin, but his years of experience allowed him to absorb even the faintest traces.
Suddenly, a faint rustling sound broke his concentration. His eyes snapped open, glowing faintly in the darkness. Without a word, he moved to the window, peering into the shadowy courtyard below.
A figure dressed in black stood in the moonlight, their face hidden beneath a hood. Tang Xiu's sharp eyes caught the faint glint of a blade in the figure's hand.
Before Tang Xiu could act, the figure threw the blade toward him. It wasn't aimed to harm but to deliver—the blade embedded itself in the wooden frame of the window, carrying a piece of parchment.
Tang Xiu plucked the note from the blade and read the single line written in dark red ink:
"The first strike comes at dawn. Prepare to die."
By the time he looked up, the figure was gone.
Tang Xiu called Lei Xian and Xu Liang to his room, showing them the note.
Xu Liang's expression darkened. "They're taunting us, trying to throw us off balance. Typical assassin tactics."
Lei Xian frowned. "Why announce their attack? Wouldn't it be easier to strike without warning?"
Tang Xiu's lips curled into a faint smile. "It's a test. They want to see if I'll run or cower. But they'll learn soon enough—I'm not one to be intimidated."
He stood, his presence commanding. "Xu Liang, you'll secure the perimeter of the inn. Make sure no one gets close without our knowledge. Lei Xian, stay inside and prepare. If the Shadow Sect truly attacks, they'll regret stepping into my path."
As the first rays of sunlight crept over the horizon, a tense silence hung over the inn. Tang Xiu sat calmly in the courtyard, his golden eyes scanning the surroundings. He was dressed in a simple black robe, his presence understated but powerful.
Xu Liang and Lei Xian stood nearby, their weapons ready. The quiet was unnerving, broken only by the faint rustle of leaves in the breeze.
A dozen shadowy figures emerged from the treetops and rooftops, surrounding the inn. Their movements were swift and coordinated, their blades gleaming in the early light.
Tang Xiu rose to his feet, his expression calm. "The Shadow Sect, I presume?" he said, his voice carrying across the courtyard.
One of the figures stepped forward, their face hidden behind a mask. "Tang Xiu," the leader said coldly. "Your arrogance has made you a target. Today, we'll end your reign before it begins."
Tang Xiu chuckled softly. "Arrogance? No, this is confidence. But since you're so eager to meet your end, I won't disappoint you."
The assassins attacked as one, their movements a blur. Xu Liang and Lei Xian met them head-on, their weapons clashing with the assassins' blades. The sound of steel ringing against steel filled the air.
Tang Xiu, meanwhile, faced the leader. The man's strikes were fast and deadly, but Tang Xiu's movements were like water—fluid, effortless, and impossible to predict.
"You rely on speed and precision," Tang Xiu said as he deflected another strike. "But your foundation is weak. Allow me to teach you what true strength looks like."
With a burst of golden qi, Tang Xiu struck the leader's blade, shattering it into pieces. The man staggered back, his mask falling to reveal a face twisted with shock and rage.
"How… how is this possible?" the leader stammered.
Tang Xiu's expression remained calm. "You overestimated yourself. Now, it's over."
With a swift strike, Tang Xiu sent the leader crashing into the ground, unconscious.
The remaining assassins hesitated, their confidence shaken. Tang Xiu's aura flared, filling the courtyard with an oppressive pressure.
"Take your leader and go," Tang Xiu said coldly. "Tell whoever sent you that I'm not someone they can toy with. Next time, I won't be so merciful."
The assassins quickly retreated, carrying their fallen leader with them.
Xu Liang and Lei Xian approached Tang Xiu, their expressions a mix of relief and admiration.
"That was incredible," Xu Liang said, his voice filled with awe. "They didn't stand a chance against you."
Tang Xiu nodded. "They were testing me, but this was only the beginning. The Shadow Sect won't stop here. We need to stay vigilant."
Lei Xian frowned. "What's our next move?"
Tang Xiu's gaze hardened. "We dig deeper. The Shadow Sect is just a tool, but someone else is pulling the strings. If they want to play games, I'll make sure they regret it."
As the sun rose higher, the group left the inn, their resolve stronger than ever. Tang Xiu knew that the road ahead would be filled with danger, but he also knew that he couldn't afford to falter.
"Let the shadows come," he thought. "I'll show them the light."
With determination in his heart, Tang Xiu led his companions toward their next destination, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them.