A Game Of Deception

The air grew colder with each passing second, the tension thickening like a storm cloud. The source of this suffocating atmosphere emanated from within a dimly lit cave.

"I must admit, you've exceeded my expectations," the golden-masked man chuckled, his measured steps echoing in the confined space. "Don't misunderstand me. When I first gave you this task, I had no doubt about your abilities," he continued, a glint flashing behind the mask. "But to think you're so bold amazes me." His tone shifted, cold and edged with menace.

'No one can get in my way, not even you', Bing thought, maintaining a graceful smile and a cautious demeanor. "What can I say? I'm slightly embarrassed to receive such praise, especially from someone like you."

'You don't realize you're nothing more than a pawn to me', the masked man thought, his silence oppressive. Finally, he spoke, his words laced with an underlying threat. "But I must warn you, don't bite off more than you can chew." If one looked closely, traces of killing intent flickered behind the golden mask.

'Bite off more than I can chew? Wait, is he threatening me? But why?' Bing wondered, keeping his expression calm. "It's a privilege for Master Wang Meng to concern himself with someone as insignificant as me," he said carefully.

For a moment, shock flickered across the golden-masked man's face. 'How does he know my alias? Was he investigating me?' "It's only fair to warn you that my grand plan involves unspeakable dangers—ones that might even threaten your life."

Bing felt the dangerous aura emanating from the man. From the moment they first met, Bing knew this individual harbored grand ambitions. Curious, he had dug into the man's background, only to find… nothing. It was as if Wang Meng were a ghost. What Bing had discovered was disturbing: Wang Meng was disguised as a young master in Meng Village. More unsettling was how easily he agreed to Bing's terms of eliminating Chenli. The pieces were falling into place, and Bing's sharp mind connected the dots—this man was far more dangerous than he seemed.

"I cannot help but ask, Master Wang Meng," Bing said, fanning himself with practiced nonchalance. "What is your endgame? I deserve to know what I'm involving myself in."

Wang Meng chuckled darkly. "Endgame? I have none. What I seek… not even you can comprehend." In a flash, he appeared before Bing, his presence oppressive. "I must warn you: I have a bad habit of eliminating anything that stands in my way."

Bing understood the weight of his words. He had to tread carefully; even he wasn't an exception to Wang Meng's ruthlessness. Despite his ordinary appearance, Wang Meng exuded power—the kind only the most dangerous individuals possessed.

'And so do I. I have countless ways to eliminate you', Bing thought, his smile wry. "Then I will remember not to meddle in your affairs."

'You're an interesting piece', Wang Meng mused.' I was planning to discard you, but now I see your potential. I know just how to use you'.

"Things will proceed as planned. Arrange the officials for the tournament," Wang Meng ordered, his voice sharp and intimidating. "Only then will I tell you what to do next. Keep in mind—I want it done perfectly."

Bing bowed deeply. "I will keep that in mind." A moment later, he vanished.

Left alone in the eerie cave, Wang Meng smirked. "If only you knew who you're dealing with, you wouldn't dare to plot against me." Then he, too, disappeared, leaving no trace but the suffocating tension hanging in the air—a harbinger of the dangers to come.

At the Same Time in Blood Culture Village

"The moon is beautiful tonight, don't you think, Sis?" Alex said, his gaze fixed on the sky. The round, glowing shape reflected in his eyes.

"Mm, it is beautiful," Ancy replied, her voice calm. "Almost as though it's gracing this place." A rare smile escaped her lips, genuine and unguarded.

Alex noticed her smile—a fleeting, precious moment. Ancy's calm demeanor rarely cracked, but here, in the moonlit village, she seemed at peace.

"I guess someone's feeling chatty today," Alex teased, his tone playful.

"I… I am?" she asked, her confusion evident.

Alex chuckled. Seeing her like this, with uncertainty flickering across her usually composed face, filled him with a quiet joy. He wished this moment could last forever.

The entire village seemed unusually peaceful tonight. Laughter echoed through the air, and the rustling trees felt alive. To Alex, this was the world he longed for—a world filled with peace and joy.

'I will do everything in my power to create a world like this', he vowed, a newfound determination blooming in his heart.

"Tomorrow is the day of the tournament," Ancy said, pausing as if weighing her next words. "Are you ready?" Her tone betrayed her doubt.

"Hmm?" Alex grinned. "I'll cheer for you from the sidelines. I know my sister is strong; she'll always protect me."

Ancy blinked, surprised by his carefree yet encouraging words. For the first time, she felt grateful for his unwavering belief in her. His words were genuine, and she couldn't help but feel moved.