Chapter 55: The Hunters Close In

Lin Yun stared at the dagger in his hand, his grip tightening. The **symbol** engraved on the blade was unfamiliar, but he knew what it meant.

**The hunt had begun.**

He took a deep breath, calming the storm in his mind. The silver-masked man hadn't attacked—only left a warning. That meant they were watching him, waiting for the right moment.

His fingers traced over the symbol. **Who were they?**

He had drawn the attention of assassins, warriors, and now **this unknown faction.**

Whatever power lay within the **Drifting Shadow Art** and the **jade tablet**, it was valuable enough for powerful forces to move in the shadows.

But Lin Yun had no intention of **waiting** for them to strike first.

---

He pulled up his hood and walked calmly through the streets. The town was still bustling, merchants shouting their prices, warriors laughing over drinks.

But Lin Yun could feel it—**the shift in the air.**

People were **watching** him.

His instincts screamed at him. **Eyes in the dark. Steps in the distance. Silence in the chaos.**

He turned down a side alley, disappearing into the shadows. **If they wanted to follow him, they'd have to work for it.**

---

As Lin Yun neared the outskirts, a **figure** blocked his path.

The **veiled woman** from before.

She leaned against a wooden post, arms crossed, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "You're still alive. Impressive."

Lin Yun didn't slow his steps. "Did you expect otherwise?"

She chuckled. "Most people who attract the attention of the Silver Masks don't last long."

Lin Yun stopped. **Silver Masks.**

That was their name.

He met her gaze. "Who are they?"

The woman tilted her head. "Information isn't free, Lin Yun."

Lin Yun exhaled. "Then why are you still here? If you're not going to help, stay out of my way."

She smirked. "You're interesting. That's reason enough."

Lin Yun ignored her and kept walking. He had no time for games.

But just as he passed, she whispered, **"You're heading into a trap."**

His steps faltered.

She continued, her voice calm. "The Silver Masks don't just kill. They **observe**, study, and only strike when their target is at their weakest."

Lin Yun turned slightly. "And what do they want from me?"

The woman shrugged. "Who knows? But they aren't the only ones."

Lin Yun narrowed his eyes.

"Watch yourself, Lin Yun," she said softly. "The game has only just begun."

Then, like a shadow, she was gone.

Lin Yun exhaled slowly. He had **already known** it was a trap. But now…

**Now, he had confirmation.**

---

Lin Yun moved quickly, cutting through the dense trees, heading toward the secluded **mountain valley** where he planned to train.

He didn't travel the main paths—he **weaved** through hidden trails, avoiding open spaces.

Hours passed.

The further he went, the quieter the forest became.

Too quiet.

Lin Yun's muscles tensed.

Then—

**A flicker of movement.**

A shadow moved among the trees, just **out of sight**.

Lin Yun didn't react. He kept walking, his breath steady.

But his fingers gripped **Shadowfang** tightly.

Then—

**The attack came.**

A **silver chain** shot from the trees, wrapping around Lin Yun's ankle.

Without hesitation, he **twisted his body midair**, severing the chain with a swift sword stroke.

The moment he landed, **three masked figures** rushed toward him.

Silver Masks.

They hadn't waited for him to reach the valley.

They had come **for him now.**

---

### **Surrounded**

Lin Yun exhaled, analyzing the situation.

Three opponents.

All dressed in dark robes, their **silver masks featureless**, revealing no emotion.

Their auras… **Qi Gathering Realm, 7th to 9th level.**

**Strong.** But not unbeatable.

The **leader** stepped forward. "Lin Yun."

Lin Yun said nothing.

The masked man continued, his voice devoid of warmth. "You are in possession of something that does not belong to you."

Lin Yun smirked. "You'll have to be more specific."

The leader tilted his head. "The manual. The jade tablet. Everything."

Lin Yun's grip tightened.

"So," the leader said. "Surrender."

Lin Yun's eyes flashed. **Surrender?**

He **grinned.**

"I have a better idea," he said, lowering his stance.

The masked warriors stiffened.

Lin Yun's **killing intent surged.**

"Why don't you take it from me?"

The Silver Masks **moved.**

Lin Yun **vanished.**

---

To be continued…