Shadows in the Night

Li Xueyan stood on the rooftop of a small tea house, her sharp eyes scanning the streets below. The capital city was alive, even at night. Lanterns hung from every corner, their soft glow making the cobblestone roads shimmer like rivers of gold. People walked in groups, laughing and chatting, but Xueyan knew that beneath this peaceful scene, danger lurked.

She had arrived in the capital only a day ago, yet she already felt the weight of hidden enemies. Her uncle, Li Jiang, was here. The Black Sun Hall had influence in this city. And she was certain that the emperor's court had its own web of spies.

Beside her, Hei Yue yawned, stretching his large wolf-like body. "You're too tense," he said lazily. "Do you really think someone will attack you the moment you step into the city?"

Xueyan gave him a side glance. "That's exactly what I expect."

The wolf chuckled, his golden eyes gleaming in the dim light. "Smart."

Her grip tightened on her sword. The Moonshadow Blade felt like a part of her now, its cold steel reassuring. She had trained hard, but she knew skill alone wouldn't be enough. She needed information.

And she knew exactly where to get it.

---

The Hidden World of the Capital

Xueyan leaped down from the rooftop, landing silently in the alleyway below. The capital was divided into two worlds—one that ordinary people saw and another that hid in the shadows. The underworld of thieves, assassins, and spies.

She moved swiftly through the streets, keeping to the dark paths where few people walked. She had heard of a place called The Drunken Fox Inn. It was a gathering spot for mercenaries and criminals, a place where secrets were sold for silver.

As she approached, she saw the inn's red lanterns swaying in the night breeze. Loud laughter and the smell of cheap wine drifted through the air.

Stepping inside, she was met with the sight of rough-looking men and women, their weapons resting beside them as they drank and gambled. A man in a tattered robe was playing a flute in the corner, while another was counting coins with a greedy grin.

Xueyan walked up to the bar, her presence turning a few heads. She knew she didn't look like an ordinary traveler. Her clothes were simple, but her posture, the way she carried her sword—it made her stand out.

The bartender, a woman with sharp eyes, leaned forward. "New face," she said. "You lost, girl?"

Xueyan placed a few silver coins on the table. "I'm looking for information."

The woman raised an eyebrow. "Information isn't cheap."

Xueyan's voice was calm. "Neither is my time."

The bartender smirked. "Alright, what do you want to know?"

Xueyan lowered her voice. "Li Jiang. Black Sun Hall. Anything recent."

The room fell quiet for a brief moment. Then, a man nearby let out a low whistle. "You're playing with fire, girl."

The bartender hesitated, then sighed. "There's been movement in the capital. Li Jiang is meeting someone powerful. Word is, the Black Sun Hall is planning something big."

Xueyan's heartbeat quickened. She expected her uncle to be making moves, but what was the Black Sun Hall planning?

"Who is he meeting?" she asked.

The bartender shook her head. "That's a secret worth more than silver."

Before Xueyan could reply, the door slammed open. A group of men in black robes entered. Their faces were covered, but their presence sent a chill through the room.

Black Sun Hall assassins.

And they were looking for someone.

---

A Fight in the Shadows

Xueyan kept her head down, pretending to sip her drink. She could feel their energy—sharp, violent. These were not ordinary thugs.

The leader, a tall man with a scar across his neck, scanned the room. His voice was low but filled with authority. "We're looking for a girl. Black hair, sword on her back. Seen anyone like that?"

The bartender's eyes flickered toward Xueyan for the briefest second. It was enough.

The assassins turned in her direction.

Xueyan's muscles tensed. She could run, but that would only confirm their suspicions. She needed to act first.

Just as one of them stepped forward, she moved.

She flipped the wooden table into the air, sending cups and coins flying. The moment of chaos was enough. She grabbed the nearest chair and swung it at the closest assassin, shattering it against his chest.

The bar erupted into shouts and confusion. Some people ran, others reached for their weapons. The assassins, however, were fast.

Two of them came at her with daggers. Xueyan ducked, her instincts sharp. She twisted, drawing her sword in a single smooth motion.

The first assassin lunged. She parried, then kicked him hard in the stomach, sending him crashing into another table.

The second one slashed at her, his blade aiming for her neck. She barely dodged, feeling the cold steel graze her shoulder. Pain flared, but she didn't stop.

She stepped forward, grabbing his wrist and twisting it. The dagger clattered to the floor. With one quick motion, she struck him on the back of the head, knocking him out cold.

The scarred leader watched her with narrowed eyes. "You're skilled," he admitted. "But not enough."

He unsheathed his sword, its blade glinting in the lantern light. The air around him seemed to darken.

Hei Yue's voice echoed in her mind. Be careful. He's stronger than the others.

Xueyan's grip tightened. "I've faced worse."

The man smiled. "Let's test that."

He attacked.

Their swords clashed, the impact ringing through the room. Xueyan felt the force behind his strikes—he was powerful, faster than the others. But she wasn't weak either.

She countered each move, her instincts guiding her. She saw an opening and struck, aiming for his side.

But he was ready.

He twisted, dodging her attack, and in the same motion, he swept his foot out, knocking her off balance.

Xueyan hit the ground hard.

The assassin raised his sword, ready to strike the finishing blow.

But before he could, a sudden force crashed through the inn's window.

A blur of motion, faster than the eye could follow.

The assassin was sent flying across the room, his body slamming into the wall with a sickening crack.

Silence filled the inn.

Xueyan looked up.

Feng Zhiwei stood in the broken window, his eyes cold, his presence commanding.

"You took too long," he said.

Xueyan let out a breath, her heart still racing. "I had it under control."

Zhiwei smirked. "Sure."

The remaining assassins hesitated. They recognized him.

Fear flickered in their eyes.

"Leave," Zhiwei ordered, his voice like ice. "Or you won't walk out alive."

The assassins exchanged glances. Then, without another word, they fled.

Xueyan sat up, wincing. "You always show up at the last second, don't you?"

Zhiwei extended a hand to her. "I like to make an entrance."

She took it, pulling herself up.

The danger had passed, but she knew this was only the beginning.

Her enemies were watching. And next time, they wouldn't make the mistake of underestimating her.