As the group rested, a familiar presence emerged from the shadows. Feng Yue appeared, her silver hair shimmering in the moonlight.
"You're persistent, I'll give you that," she said with a smirk.
"What do you want this time?" Mei Lan asked, her fiery aura flaring.
Feng Yue raised her hands in mock surrender. "Relax. I'm here to offer information, not trouble."
"And why should we trust you?" Ling'er asked, her icy tone matching her aura.
Feng Yue's smile turned serious. "Because the Shadow God is more dangerous than you realize. The shrine you destroyed was just a fragment of his power. If you want to stop him, you'll need my help."
Renxue stepped forward, her spear glowing. "What's your price?"
"No price," Feng Yue said, surprising them. "I just want to see the Shadow God fall. Let's call it... mutual interest."
Xiao Tian studied her carefully. "We'll accept your help, but if you betray us—"
Feng Yue interrupted with a laugh. "Oh, don't worry. I like being on the winning side."
---
The New Alliance
With Feng Yue's knowledge, the group learned of the Shadow God's next target: the Temple of Light, a sacred site tied to Renxue's divine lineage.
"If he corrupts that temple," Renxue said, her expression grim, "he'll gain control over the light energy in the God Realm."
"Then we can't let that happen," Xiao Tian said firmly. "We'll protect it."
Feng Yue smiled slyly. "Good. Let's see if you can handle what's coming."