The journey back to the Zhao estate was tense. Lin Tian's thoughts were consumed by Zhao Yue's revelation, and his senses were on high alert. The faint traces of Abyssal energy clinging to the air confirmed his suspicions—something was brewing, and it was bigger than he had imagined.
As they approached the estate, Lin Tian stopped abruptly. "We're being followed."
Zhao Yue's eyes widened. "By who?"
Lin Tian didn't answer immediately. Instead, he closed his eyes, letting the power of the Dragon's Eyes guide him. The faint outline of a figure emerged in his vision—a man cloaked in shadows, moving stealthily through the trees.
"Stay here," Lin Tian said, stepping forward.
The figure revealed himself, a smirk playing on his lips. "Impressive, Lin Tian. The rumors don't do you justice."
"And you are?" Lin Tian asked, his tone icy.
"My name is irrelevant," the man replied, his voice dripping with malice. "But my purpose is clear. The Abyssal Order has sent me to deal with you."
"Another pawn," Lin Tian muttered, his golden aura flaring. "Tell your masters they'll need more than shadows to stop me."
The man laughed. "Oh, I'm no pawn. I'm the executioner."
He lunged forward, twin daggers glowing with dark energy. Lin Tian met his attack head-on, the power of the Dragon's Scales shielding him from the deadly strikes. The clash was intense, the air crackling with energy as their powers collided.
Zhao Yue watched from a distance, her heart pounding. She wanted to help, but she knew she'd only be a hindrance. Instead, she whispered a silent prayer, her hands clenched tightly.
The battle reached its peak as Lin Tian unleashed the Dragon's Breath, a torrent of golden flames that engulfed his opponent. The man screamed, his body consumed by the light. When the flames died down, only ashes remained.
Lin Tian turned to Zhao Yue, his expression grim. "This was a warning. The Abyssal Order knows we're coming."