The Temple of Secrets

The wind howled through the darkened streets of Kyoto, carrying the crisp scent of autumn leaves as Feng Ruoxi stepped out of the car. The location on the parchment had led her here—to the outskirts of the city where few ever ventured. A towering temple, ancient and solemn, stood before her, shrouded in mist. The high wooden doors were slightly ajar, as if waiting for her arrival. 

Xiao Zheng stood beside her, his posture relaxed yet alert, his sharp eyes scanning their surroundings. "I don't like this," he muttered. "Something feels off." 

Ruoxi tightened her coat around herself. "It's supposed to," she replied. "Whoever left this message didn't expect it to be easy." 

Jiang Yukang had wanted to come, but she had insisted that he stay back. There was something about this meeting—something personal—that she needed to face alone.