The trio gripped their weapons, muscles tense as the approaching crowd drew near. To their surprise, the robed man at the forefront wore an expression of urgency rather than hostility,flanked by ragged villagers whose faces mirrored relief and lingering terror.
The man halted at the sight of fallen men in black,then hurried forward, bowing deeply. "Thank you, brave ones, for driving off these fiends!"
Yun Feiyang sheathed his sword. "Why did the Six Directions Alliance attack your village?"
The man's face crumpled with grief. "They sought a family heirloom. When we refused, they burned our homes and slaughtered innocents. We fled, but they pursued us—until you intervened."
Lin Feng's hatred for the Alliance surged. He glanced at Yun Feiyang and Lei Bao, whose eyes mirrored his anger. "Find shelter," Yun Feiyang told the man. "We'll deal with the Alliance."
As the villagers departed, Lin Feng's resolve solidified. The setting sun cast a crimson hue over the battlefield, painting their victory in somber glory.
Yun Feiyang approached, sincerity in his tone. "That final strike was pivotal, Lin Feng. I owe you."
Lin Feng scratched his head sheepishly. "We're in this together, Master Yun. Without you both, I'd still be chasing bandits in Qingping."
Yun Feiyang laughed heartily, clapping his back. "A rare gem—a young man with courage and humility. Few remain in this jianghu."
Lin Feng's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Your adventures must be legendary. Will you share them?"
Yun Feiyang settled onto a stone, gaze distant. "Orphaned young, I wandered, honing my skills. The Alliance's cruelty sickened me. For years, I've sabotaged their operations, earning their wrath."
Lin Feng leaned forward, enraptured. "I left home to fight them too. I want to be like you—righting wrongs."
Lei Bao joined them, voice heavy with memories. "They destroyed my family. Today, fate brought us together."
Yun Feiyang's eyes shone with purpose. "United by vengeance and justice. Let us ride together against the Alliance."
Lin Feng's excitement flared. "Yes! With your wisdom and our strength, we'll shatter them!"
Lei Bao nodded fiercely. "Their reign ends now."
With a shared smile, they bandaged wounds and gathered supplies, then sought refuge in an abandoned temple. Moonlight filtered through cracks in the roof, casting silvery patterns on damp, moss - covered walls.
Lin Feng lay awake, staring at the ceiling. Beside him, Yun Feiyang gazed at the moon, lost in thought.
"What troubles you, Master Yun?" Lin Feng whispered.
Yun Feiyang turned, resolve steeling his voice. "The road ahead is perilous. But we will not falter."
"Never," Lin Feng vowed.
"Nor I," Lei Bao added.
A sudden shuffle outside froze them. Weapons drawn, they crept toward the door. Yun Feiyang motioned for silence, hand on the latch.
What awaited them in the darkness? New allies? Or the Alliance's wrath?
The jianghu's shadows held the answer…