The slow clapping echoed through the corridor.
Measured.
Calm.
Almost amused.
Lin Feng stood still, his back facing the source.
He didn't rush to turn.
Didn't tense unnecessarily.
Because whoever this was—
Had been watching for a while.
A Presence Without Killing Intent
The footsteps that followed were unhurried.
Confident.
Not the cautious steps of an assassin.
Not the heavy stride of a brute.
But something in between.
Controlled.
Refined.
Lin Feng Turns
Finally, Lin Feng turned around.
And saw him.
A man dressed in dark blue robes, hands clasped behind his back. His expression was relaxed, almost friendly—but his eyes…
His eyes missed nothing.
First Impression
Lin Feng studied him briefly.
Strong.
Not overwhelmingly oppressive like the man from the arena.
But—
Deeper.
More hidden.
Like a blade kept out of sight.
The Man Speaks
"That was impressive."
His voice was smooth.
Unbothered.
Lin Feng shrugged.
"They should've sent better people."
A Small Smile
The man chuckled lightly.
"They thought that would be enough."
He stepped closer, glancing briefly at the bodies on the ground.
"Clearly… they were wrong."
No Fear, No Respect Given Freely
Lin Feng leaned slightly against the wall.
"…So what?"
"You here to try your luck too?"
A Calm Denial
The man shook his head.
"No."
"If I wanted you dead…"
He paused briefly.
"…this conversation wouldn't be happening."
Blunt Honesty
Lin Feng smirked.
"Fair enough."
A Different Kind of Player
The man stepped past him slightly, as if inspecting the scene.
"Efficient."
"Fast adaptation."
"Good instincts."
He turned back toward Lin Feng.
"You're exactly what they described."
Lin Feng's Interest
"They?"
The man didn't answer directly.
Instead—
"Names aren't important right now."
Annoying… But Interesting
Lin Feng sighed.
"Everyone in this city likes talking in half-sentences."
The man laughed.
"That's because full sentences get people killed."
A Subtle Truth
Lin Feng didn't respond immediately.
But he understood.
This wasn't the arena anymore.
This was something deeper.
The Real Reason He's Here
"I didn't come to fight you," the man continued.
"I came to see you."
Lin Feng raised an eyebrow.
"…And?"
The Assessment
The man met his gaze directly.
"You're worth the trouble."
Simple Words, Heavy Meaning
Lin Feng smirked slightly.
"That seems to be a trend lately."
The Warning
The man's expression shifted—just slightly.
"This was just the beginning."
He gestured toward the fallen assassins.
"Small pieces."
"Disposable."
What Comes Next
"The ones who sent them…"
He paused.
"…won't stay quiet for long."
Lin Feng's Reaction
Instead of concern—
Excitement flickered in his eyes.
"Good."
"I'd hate for things to get boring."
A Measured Look
The man studied him for a moment.
"…You really don't understand yet."
Lin Feng tilted his head.
"Then explain."
A Hint of the Bigger Game
"This city is divided."
"Not just by strength."
"But by control."
"Information."
"Influence."
He stepped closer.
"And you just stepped into all of it."
No Way Back
Lin Feng crossed his arms.
"…Wasn't planning to stay out of it."
A Quiet Approval
The man nodded slightly.
"Good."
A Name… Almost
Lin Feng looked at him.
"So who are you?"
A brief pause.
Then—
"Someone who watches."
Not Enough
Lin Feng sighed.
"Yeah, that doesn't help."
A Slight Reveal
The man smiled faintly.
"In time."
"For now…"
"You can call me someone on your side."
Suspicion Remains
Lin Feng didn't fully believe it.
But—
He didn't reject it either.
"…I'll keep that in mind."
A Final Message
The man turned slightly, preparing to leave.
"One more thing."
Lin Feng waited.
The Important Warning
"You're not the only one growing."
That made Lin Feng's eyes sharpen.
"…I figured."
The Last Line
The man glanced back over his shoulder.
"Next time…"
"You might not be the hunter."
Gone
And just like that—
He disappeared into the shadows.
No sound.
No trace.
Aftermath
The corridor fell silent again.
Lin Feng stood there for a moment.
Thinking.
Processing.
Then—
He smiled.
Excitement Builds
"…Now this is getting interesting."
Looking Ahead
Assassins.
Factions.
Hidden players.
And now—
Someone watching from the shadows.
Not an enemy.
Not a friend.
But something in between.
Cliffhanger
As Lin Feng walked back toward his room—
A faint sensation passed through him.
Like something had just shifted.
Far away.
But connected.
And deep within Blackstone City—
Another piece of the game moved.
Quietly.
Dangerously.