Morning in Blackstone City didn't bring peace.
It brought tension.
A City That Never Sleeps
The streets were already alive when Lin Feng stepped out of the compound.
But something had changed.
It wasn't the noise.
Not the movement.
But the feeling behind it.
Eyes lingered longer.
Voices dropped when he passed.
Conversations shifted.
"…Word travels fast," Lin Feng muttered.
Not Just Fame Anymore
This wasn't like the arena.
This wasn't admiration.
This was attention.
Calculated.
Measured.
Dangerous.
The Market Feels Different
As he walked through one of the main streets, vendors still shouted, deals were still made—but every now and then, someone would glance at him, then quickly look away.
Others didn't bother hiding it.
They stared.
Judging.
Weighing.
Lin Feng's Mindset
He didn't slow down.
Didn't avoid it.
If anything—
He leaned into it.
"…Let them look."
A Familiar Presence
Then—
He felt it.
Not hostile.
Not hidden.
But clear.
Sharp.
She Didn't Hide
Leaning casually against a wooden post near a quiet section of the street—
She stood there.
Su Yao.
No Surprise
Lin Feng stopped a few steps away.
"…You really like showing up unannounced."
She didn't move.
Didn't smile.
"Same could be said about you."
A Slight Smirk
Lin Feng crossed his arms.
"Difference is—I don't pretend I'm being subtle."
Observation Again
Her gaze moved slightly, studying him.
"You've recovered."
Lin Feng shrugged.
"Didn't have much of a choice."
Straight to the Point
"You were attacked."
Not a question.
A statement.
Lin Feng raised an eyebrow.
"…You watching me now?"
Her Answer
"No."
A brief pause.
"Not always."
That 'Not Always'
Lin Feng chuckled.
"Good to know I've got part-time surveillance."
She Ignores the Joke
"They were testing you."
Lin Feng nodded.
"Yeah."
"Bad test."
Her Analysis
"Not bad."
"Just insufficient."
She pushed herself off the post.
"They underestimated your growth."
Walking Together (Kind Of)
Without asking, she started walking.
Lin Feng followed.
Not because she told him to—
But because he wanted to hear what she'd say next.
The Bigger Picture
"This city is moving," she said.
Lin Feng glanced at her.
"…Moving how?"
Her Explanation
"Factions are adjusting."
"Power is shifting."
"And you—"
She looked at him briefly.
"—are part of that shift now."
No Denial
Lin Feng smirked slightly.
"Sounds like I made an impact."
She Doesn't Disagree
"You did."
"But impact draws attention."
A Subtle Warning Again
Lin Feng sighed lightly.
"Everyone keeps warning me."
Her Calm Reply
"Because you're still alive."
That Hits Different
He paused for a second.
Then laughed.
"…Fair point."
A Change in Tone
They reached a quieter part of the street.
Less noise.
Less distraction.
Su Yao stopped walking.
Something More Serious
"There's a gathering tonight."
Lin Feng raised an eyebrow.
"…What kind of gathering?"
The Reveal
"Factions."
"Leaders."
"Key figures."
"All in one place."
Immediate Interest
Lin Feng's eyes sharpened.
"…And you're telling me this because?"
Her Answer
"Because you'll be invited."
No Doubt
Not "might."
Not "probably."
Will.
Understanding the Weight
Lin Feng exhaled slowly.
"…So that's the next step."
She Nods Slightly
"Yes."
"And it won't be like the arena."
Different Kind of Danger
"No direct fights," she continued.
"But more dangerous."
Lin Feng's Smile Returns
"…Politics?"
A Slight Pause
"…Something like that."
His Reaction
Lin Feng shook his head.
"Yeah, I'm not good at that."
Her Honest Reply
"I know."
A Rare Moment
He looked at her.
"…You're very encouraging, you know that?"
A faint flicker of something crossed her expression.
Almost amusement.
"…You'll survive."
That's Enough
Lin Feng nodded.
"Good."
"That's all I need."
Before She Leaves
She turned slightly.
But paused.
One More Thing
"If things go wrong tonight…"
Lin Feng tilted his head.
"…Yeah?"
Her Final Words
"Don't hesitate."
Meaning Behind It
He understood.
No rules.
No restraint.
No second chances.
She Leaves Again
And just like before—
She walked away.
Blending into the crowd.
Gone.
Lin Feng Stands Alone
He stayed there for a moment.
Thinking.
Then—
He smiled.
Excitement Returns
"…A gathering, huh."
"Finally."
Cliffhanger
As he turned to head back—
A messenger approached from the compound.
"Lin Feng."
He stopped.
"…Yeah?"
The Invitation Arrives
"You've been summoned."
Perfect Timing
Lin Feng smirked.
"…Right on time."
Tonight—
Everything would change.