The group's victory was short-lived. As they returned to the cottage, an unexpected visitor awaited them—a young woman with crimson hair and a mischievous smile. She leaned casually against the doorway, her piercing eyes scanning the group.
"Well, well," she drawled. "The famous Lin Tian. You're just as impressive as the rumors say."
Lin Tian frowned. "Who are you?"
"Lian Mei," she said, offering a mock bow. "A humble traveler… and an assassin sent to kill you."
The air grew tense as everyone prepared for a fight, but Lian Mei held up her hands in mock surrender. "Relax. I'm not here to kill you—not anymore, anyway. Let's just say I've had a change of heart."
Lin Tian didn't lower his guard. "And why should I believe you?"
Lian Mei's smirk faded, and for the first time, her expression turned serious. "Because the Abyssal Order doesn't just want to kill you—they want to control you. And if you don't stop them, they'll destroy everything in their path."
Her words hung heavy in the air. Lin Tian studied her carefully, his Dragon's Eyes searching for any hint of deception. Finally, he nodded. "If you're lying, I'll deal with you myself."
"Fair enough," Lian Mei said, her grin returning. "But trust me, you'll want me on your side."