The peace didn't last. In the dead of night, Lin Tian awoke to the sound of footsteps outside the cottage. He grabbed his blade, his Dragon's Eyes glowing faintly as he scanned the darkness.
A shadowy figure stood at the edge of the clearing, its presence radiating malice. "Lin Tian," the figure said, its voice a chilling whisper. "Your time is running out."
Lin Tian stepped forward, his aura flaring. "Who are you?"
The figure laughed, its form shifting and twisting like smoke. "I am but a messenger. The Abyss watches, and it hungers. Soon, you will face the true power of the Order."
Before Lin Tian could respond, the figure dissolved into the night, leaving behind a lingering sense of dread.
The others emerged from the cottage, their expressions tense. "What happened?" Su Lan asked, her voice trembling.
"We're running out of time," Lin Tian said grimly. "The Abyssal Order is preparing for something big. We need to be ready."