Whispers in the Shadows

(Part 2)**

The night was unnervingly quiet, the usual forest sounds replaced by an eerie stillness. Luo's sharp gaze scanned the darkness, his instincts screaming that danger lurked nearby. His group stood tense, barely breathing, their senses heightened.

Lin Zhi crouched beside Luo, his fingers lightly touching the ground. "They're close," he whispered. "Watching."

Meilin's grip tightened around her daggers. "It's too quiet. This is a trap."

Luo's smirk didn't fade. He had already guessed that much. The question was—who was hunting whom?

---

### **A Silent Strike**

A sudden rustle in the branches. A flicker of movement.

Lin Zhi reacted instantly, grabbing Luo's shoulder and pulling him aside as an arrow whistled through the air, embedding itself deep into the tree where Luo had been standing.

"Archers," Lin Zhi muttered, eyes scanning the treetops.

Another arrow came flying, this time aimed at Meilin.

Wei Fang's sword flashed as he deflected it mid-air, the force of impact sending a sharp metallic ring through the forest. His expression was grim. "They're testing us."

Luo chuckled. "Then let's not disappoint them."

---

### **Calling Them Out**

Luo took a step forward, his voice sharp and mocking. "So this is how the mighty Wu family fights? Hiding in the dark like cowards?"

Silence.

Then, a slow chuckle echoed from the shadows. A figure stepped out, his presence radiating confidence. Moonlight barely illuminated his face, but the emblem on his sleeve was unmistakable.

A Wu family elite.

"You're sharper than the rumors suggest, Luo Sun." The man's voice was calm, yet dangerous. "It's a shame your arrogance will be your downfall."

Luo's grin widened. "Arrogance? No, I just have a habit of making rats show themselves."

The Wu elite's smirk remained. "And yet, you're surrounded."

A chilling gust of wind swept through the forest.

Then—movement. Fast. Coordinated.

From the darkness, multiple figures emerged, weapons drawn, eyes gleaming with the promise of bloodshed.

---

### **Ending Hook**

Luo cracked his knuckles. *Surrounded?*

*No.*

His eyes gleamed with challenge. *They just saved me the trouble of hunting them down.*