The wind swept across the broken hills, carrying the scent of blood and dust into the night.
Lin Feng stood still.
Not moving.
Not speaking.
Just watching.
Because the moment he felt her presence—
He knew.
This wasn't just another opponent.
A Different Kind of Pressure
The figure on the ridge didn't move.
Didn't shift.
Didn't reveal anything unnecessary.
But her presence alone—
Was enough.
Sharp.
Cold.
Refined.
Like a blade resting quietly in its sheath… waiting.
First Words
"You're done already?"
Her voice cut through the night.
Clear.
Calm.
Effortless.
Lin Feng raised an eyebrow.
"Wasn't planning to drag it out."
A brief pause.
Then—
"You're weaker than I expected."
Lin Feng's Reaction
He blinked once.
Then laughed.
"…You watched all that and that's your conclusion?"
The figure tilted her head slightly.
"You relied too much on force."
"Your control is rough."
"Your movements… inefficient."
No Anger
Lin Feng didn't get angry.
Didn't snap back.
Instead—
He smirked.
"…You sound like someone who wants to prove it."
She Steps Down
For the first time—
She moved.
A single step off the ridge.
Then another.
Her descent was smooth, almost weightless, as if the ground itself didn't dare resist her.
When she landed—
The air shifted.
Now Face to Face
Lin Feng finally saw her clearly.
Long dark hair.
Sharp eyes.
A calm expression that didn't reveal much—but hid even more.
A sword rested at her side.
Unremarkable at first glance.
But something about it—
Felt dangerous.
No Introduction
She didn't give her name.
Didn't ask for his.
Instead—
"You improved during the fight."
Lin Feng shrugged.
"Kind of the point."
Her Observation
"You learn quickly."
"But…"
She paused.
"…You haven't faced someone who truly understands combat."
Challenge Implied
Lin Feng crossed his arms.
"…And you have?"
A faint smile appeared.
Just for a second.
"Obviously."
Tension Builds
Silence fell between them.
Not awkward.
Not empty.
But—
Heavy.
Like the moment before a storm.
Lin Feng Tests the Waters
"So what now?" he asked.
"You came all the way out here just to watch?"
She shook her head.
"No."
The Real Reason
"I came to confirm something."
Lin Feng raised an eyebrow.
"…And?"
She looked directly at him.
"You're worth noticing."
Simple… But Meaningful
Lin Feng chuckled.
"High praise."
"Should I feel honored?"
She didn't respond.
A Step Closer
Instead—
She stepped forward.
Just one step.
But the distance between them suddenly felt much smaller.
Much more dangerous.
Instinct Reacts
Lin Feng's body tensed slightly.
Not out of fear—
But awareness.
She's strong.
Really strong.
Her Next Words
"If you keep growing like this…"
She paused briefly.
"…You might become interesting."
Lin Feng Smirks
"Might?"
He shook his head slightly.
"Guess I'll have to try harder."
A Glimpse of Personality
For the first time—
Her expression softened.
Just slightly.
"…You're confident."
Lin Feng shrugged.
"Better than being boring."
No Fight… Yet
The tension lingered.
But neither of them moved to attack.
Not yet.
Because this—
Wasn't the right moment.
A Warning
She turned slightly.
As if preparing to leave.
"Blackstone City isn't what it seems."
Lin Feng tilted his head.
"Figured that already."
She Continues
"Stronger people are coming."
"Dangerous ones."
Her voice remained calm.
"But not all of them fight in the open."
Understanding the Meaning
Lin Feng's eyes sharpened.
"…So you're saying I should be careful."
She glanced back at him.
"No."
A brief pause.
"I'm saying—don't die too early."
A Familiar Line
Lin Feng laughed.
"Second person to tell me that."
Departure
She stepped away.
Her figure already beginning to blend into the darkness.
Like she had never been there.
One Last Question
"Hey," Lin Feng called out.
She stopped.
Just slightly.
"…You got a name?"
The Answer
A brief silence.
Then—
"…Su Yao."
Gone
And just like that—
She disappeared.
No sound.
No trace.
Nothing.
Aftermath
Lin Feng stood there for a moment.
Processing.
Then—
He smiled.
"…Yeah."
"She's definitely interesting."
New Curiosity
Not an enemy.
Not an ally.
Not yet.
But something told him—
That wouldn't stay the same.
Return to the City
He turned back toward Blackstone City.
The mission—
Completed.
The night—
Far from over.
Cliffhanger
As he walked away—
Far in the distance—
Another presence stirred.
Darker.
Heavier.
Watching not just Lin Feng—
But Su Yao as well.
The game was expanding.
And new players—
Were entering.