The town of Stonebridge fell into a hushed rhythm as night blanketed its streets. Lanterns flickered in the cool breeze, casting dancing shadows along cobblestone alleys. Lin Xuan, Yu Mei, and Li Fengxian moved with precision, their plan set in motion.
Lin Xuan's earlier smirk lingered in his mind. A plan wasn't just about bold moves; it was about understanding your enemy's nature and exploiting their weaknesses. If the Shadow Veil was skilled enough to track them, they were also predictable in one critical way: their pride in their efficiency.
"The best bait," Lin Xuan murmured as they moved into position, "is something your prey cannot resist."
The trio chose the southern edge of the town, where abandoned warehouses stood like silent sentinels. These structures had long been neglected, their decaying walls now home to rats and vagrants. Lin Xuan had scouted the area earlier, noting its strategic advantages. Narrow alleys, limited exits, and ample opportunities for ambush.
Yu Mei adjusted her cloak, her sharp eyes scanning the surrounding rooftops. "You're certain they'll take the bait?"
Lin Xuan nodded. "They've followed us this far. They're not going to stop now. If anything, our visible presence in this town is a challenge they can't ignore."
Li Fengxian smirked, spinning his spear idly. "And when they show up, we'll make them regret it."
The trap was simple yet effective. Lin Xuan deliberately left behind small traces of their movements: a scuffed boot print in the dirt, a fragment of cloth caught on a wooden post. These clues would lead the assassins to the warehouse district, where the trio had set up their ambush.
Inside the largest warehouse, Yu Mei arranged several broken crates to form a makeshift hiding spot. "This place stinks of mold," she muttered. "Let's hope it doesn't dull our senses when the time comes."
Lin Xuan chuckled softly. "Focus on the mission, not the smell."
Li Fengxian positioned himself near a collapsed wall, his spear gleaming faintly in the dim light. "I'll handle the frontal assault if they rush in. Yu Mei, you cover Lin Xuan and keep an eye out for any ranged attackers."
Yu Mei gave a curt nod, her bow already drawn. "And you, Lin Xuan? What's your role in this grand plan?"
Lin Xuan's eyes glinted with determination. "I'll end this quickly. No unnecessary risks."
Hours passed, the stillness of the warehouse broken only by the occasional creak of wood. The trio remained in their positions, their breathing controlled, their senses heightened.
Then, faint footsteps echoed outside.
Lin Xuan's heart quickened, though his expression remained calm. He signaled to Yu Mei and Li Fengxian, who tensed in anticipation. The footsteps grew louder, accompanied by hushed whispers.
"They're here," Lin Xuan mouthed.
The warehouse door creaked open, and five figures slipped inside, their movements fluid and deliberate. Clad in black, their faces obscured by masks, they radiated an aura of menace. These were no ordinary assassins—they were experts, their every step calculated.
One of the figures raised a hand, signaling the others to fan out. They moved with precision, checking corners and inspecting the surroundings.
Lin Xuan waited until the group was fully inside before making his move.
With a flick of his wrist, he tossed a small object to the ground. It shattered with a sharp crack, releasing a thick cloud of smoke that engulfed the room.
"Now!" Lin Xuan shouted.
Chaos erupted.
Li Fengxian lunged from his hiding spot, his spear slicing through the smoke. The metallic clang of weapons colliding filled the air as he engaged two of the assassins. His strikes were swift and powerful, forcing his opponents to retreat under the relentless assault.
Yu Mei loosed arrows with deadly precision, each shot aimed at vital points. Her arrows cut through the smoke like streaks of light, pinning one assassin to the wall and wounding another.
Lin Xuan emerged from the shadows, his sword gleaming as he confronted the leader of the group. The assassin's movements were almost serpentine, his strikes fast and unpredictable. But Lin Xuan's focus was unshakable, his every counter precise.
"Who sent you?" Lin Xuan demanded, his voice cold and commanding.
The leader didn't reply, instead launching a flurry of attacks. Lin Xuan parried with ease, his movements fluid and graceful. With a sudden burst of speed, he disarmed the assassin, his blade poised at the man's throat.
"Speak," Lin Xuan growled.
The assassin sneered. "You think this ends with us? You've made powerful enemies, boy. This is only the beginning."
Lin Xuan's eyes narrowed. "Who?"
Before the assassin could answer, a faint whistling sound filled the air. Lin Xuan's instincts screamed a warning, and he leaped back just as an arrow struck the assassin's neck, killing him instantly.
Yu Mei cursed under her breath. "A sniper. They're covering their tracks."
Lin Xuan gritted his teeth, frustration simmering beneath his calm exterior. The remaining assassins were either dead or incapacitated, but the one with answers had been silenced.
As dawn broke, the trio regrouped outside the warehouse. Lin Xuan examined the arrow that had killed the assassin, noting its unique craftsmanship.
"Whoever hired them doesn't just have resources," he said. "They have influence—and they're not afraid to eliminate their own to keep secrets."
Li Fengxian sheathed his spear. "So what now? We've taken care of this group, but it's clear there's more to come."
Lin Xuan's gaze hardened. "We keep moving. If they think we'll run scared, they're wrong. We'll turn the hunter into the hunted."
Yu Mei placed a hand on his shoulder, her expression softening. "We'll face them together, Lin Xuan. Whatever comes next, we're with you."
Lin Xuan nodded, a faint smile breaking through his stern demeanor. "Then let's make them regret ever crossing us."
As they set off, the rising sun painted the sky in hues of gold and crimson. The storm may have passed for now, but Lin Xuan knew the true battle was only just beginning