Path ahead

Bai Luo hid in the shadows, watching Xin Long with wide, disbelieving eyes. A chill ran down his spine—something he had never experienced in his entire life. Even as an assassin, he had never encountered such a scene. Swallowing his unease, he silently trailed behind Murong Jing, the sect leader, seeking permission before following Xin Long and the seductress Wei Wei.

By the time he arrived in Kunming City, the sun was already at its peak. The falling snow barely softened the midday chill. As he observed from the outskirts, he saw Xin Long, carrying a small bundle, step into the Golden Princess Inn. Staying hidden, he kept watch for a moment until his gaze landed on a familiar face—Zhen Yi, one of the four senior members of the Shadowmoon Reaper Sect. Bai Luo immediately realized that Zhen Yi was tailing Xin Long, watching his every move like a lurking shadow.

He waited, blending into the background, until dusk fell. Only then did he step into the inn and approach one of the attendants, describing Xin Long's appearance and making a few inquiries. After confirming Xin Long's room, he secured the one directly next to it—Room 201. From there, he continued to keep watch, his vigilance sharpening when he realized that Zhen Yi had taken a room just one door away.

Late into the night, Bai Luo spotted Xin Long leaving the inn from the window. Instead of acting immediately, he observed Zhen Yi's movements. When the assassin made no immediate move, Bai Luo decided to follow Xin Long himself, trailing him beyond the city limits. Upon arrival, he found Xin Long already locked in combat with another martial artist. Staying hidden, he maneuvered around the battlefield and climbed onto the roof of a nearby pavilion, watching the fight unfold from above.

As Bai Luo watched, an unsettling thought crept into his mind. Is this really the same Xin Long who once wandered aimlessly, lost and powerless?

He had taken lives before—many lives. Killing was nothing new to him. But to cut open a man's chest, rip out a beating heart, and consume it raw beneath the moonlight… that was beyond human. That was madness. No amount of courage or ruthlessness could justify such an act. Even among mercenaries, assassins, and executioners, there were lines that few dared to cross.

Bai Luo had never crossed that line. But Xin Long… Xin Long had not just crossed it. He had obliterated it.

"…Hah."

A shaky breath escaped Bai Luo's lips as he clenched his fists, his body tense with fear and disbelief. Under the pale glow of the moon, Xin Long devoured the still-beating heart with the detached brutality of a monster. Bai Luo could only watch, frozen in place, unable to look away.

…

Silence Serenity…

the air, seeping into her senses. From the veranda, she watched the snow fall, her gaze settling on the moon, slightly obscured in the hazy night sky. A gentle breeze brushed against her skin, its soft yet persistent touch carrying a quiet chill.

She thought of her father, who had left a week ago on a trip to treat patients. In his absence, she was alone in their small pharmacy store. He had left her behind with complete trust, believing in her ability to manage things on her own. And he was right—there were reasons for that trust.

Chu Cao… As she recalled her father, her thoughts drifted to Xin Long—the boy who had bought medicine not long ago. Along with the prescription paper, he had left behind a letter addressed to her.

Those dark, brooding eyes, always watching. Yet, when he had asked her for a sheet of paper, his words had been composed, steady, and free of hesitation. In that moment, the lingering melancholy in his gaze had faded, replaced by piercing, ice-cold determination.

Then, he had left, calmly and resolutely, after writing a note—one that carried the unmistakable implication that he would claim her one day. He had left it behind, certain that she would read it. That certainty reflected his unwavering resolve.

And yet… Xin Long never returned.

Chu Cao… Lost in thought, she absentmindedly lifted her gaze to the moon once more, staring at it without meaning, without purpose.

…

"Bang, Bang, Bang..."

Gripping a small lantern, a lone figure moved through the freezing night, defying the biting cold and falling snow. The three knocks echoed in the ears of Xin Long, who had just returned to the Golden Princess Inn. After burying the body and erasing all traces, he made his way back here.

Having already taken a suppressant that could last for six months, he smirked at the thought that his life now had meaning for half a year. More than that, he had also obtained the rare medicine capable of countering the brain-consuming poison—an achievement that filled him with satisfaction.

"Knock, knock."

"Xin Long, little brother!"

Just as Xin Long lay in bed, lost in thought, he heard knocking at the door, followed by a familiar voice—seductress Weiwei. Her tone carried an urgency that hinted at some pressing matter.

Springing up, he rushed to open the door.

"Come in…" he said.

As he pulled Weiwei inside, closing the door behind her, she wasted no time delivering her message.

"Alright, my dear handsome one, it's time to leave. The men of Merchant Xu will be coming after me soon."

Nodding once, Xin Long swiftly gathered his belongings. He tucked the medicine pouch securely against his chest and draped a thick woolen cloak over himself before following after Seductress Weiwei.

Outside the inn, everything was just as expected. A stablehand stood waiting with his horse, reins in hand. A short distance away, Weiwei sat atop her own horse, her impatience clear in the way she gazed at him. Though their mission had been a success, the tension on her face revealed her lingering fears—anxiety about the pursuers that were sure to follow.

For a brief moment, Xin Long wondered if he, too, would one day wear that same worried expression, forever glancing over his shoulder.

Shaking off the thought, he swung himself onto his horse. The moment he was seated, Weiwei kicked off first, galloping ahead like an arrow loosed from a bow. Without hesitation, he followed suit, spurring his horse forward in her wake.

"Clip-clop, clip-clop, clip-clop."

End – 16