Chapter 14: The Woman in Blue

Li Feng kept his stance firm, his body still pulsing with residual Starfire Qi. His golden eyes met Lan Yue's icy blue gaze.

A gentle breeze rustled through the ancient trees, yet the tension between them was thick.

"Who is she? And why does she feel… dangerous?"

Lan Yue's smirk didn't fade. She folded her arms and tilted her head slightly, studying him like a curious beast.

"I saw that technique you used just now," she said. "Starfire Qi, wasn't it?"

Li Feng narrowed his eyes but didn't respond.

Lan Yue chuckled. "No need to be so wary. That kind of power doesn't belong to just anyone. Only those chosen by the Celestial Inheritance can wield it."

His heart skipped a beat.

"She knows about the Starcore?"

Li Feng tightened his grip around the glowing artifact, which had dimmed after his battle. "How do you know that?"

Lan Yue's expression turned serious. "Because I was sent to find it."

A sudden chill ran down his spine.

She took a step forward. "You should be careful who you flaunt that power in front of, Li Feng."

He tensed. She knew his name.

His instincts screamed at him to prepare for a fight, but she simply sighed. "Relax. If I wanted to take it from you, you wouldn't be standing right now."

Li Feng clenched his fists. "Then why are you here?"

Lan Yue glanced at the sky, her eyes darkening. "Because the Starcore doesn't just bring power… it brings danger. And I suspect you've already met one of its hunters."

A vision of Hunter's smirking face flashed in his mind.

Li Feng exhaled. "You mean that bastard with the dark chains?"

Lan Yue's lips pressed into a thin line. "So he got to you already…"

She turned her back to him. "You're lucky to be alive, then."

Li Feng scowled. "He caught me off guard. Next time, I'll—"

"You'll die," Lan Yue interrupted coldly. She turned back to face him, her expression deadly serious. "Hunter isn't just strong. He's part of a much bigger force."

Li Feng frowned. "What do you mean?"

Lan Yue's gaze sharpened. "He's one of the Shadow Sect's Hounds."

Silence.

Li Feng had heard of the Shadow Sect before—an infamous organization known for hunting down rare artifacts, martial legacies, and people with special inheritances.

"So that's why Hunter wanted the Starcore…"

Lan Yue sighed. "Look, I don't care whether you believe me or not. But if you don't start getting stronger fast, you won't last long."

She turned and began walking away.

"Wait," Li Feng called after her. "Where are you going?"

Lan Yue didn't stop. "To the nearest city. I suggest you come with me if you want answers."

Li Feng hesitated. He didn't trust her—but she clearly knew more than he did.

And if the Shadow Sect was really after him…

He had no choice but to grow stronger.

He exhaled, then stepped forward. "Fine. But if you try anything, don't expect me to hold back."

Lan Yue chuckled. "We'll see about that, Starborn."

As the two disappeared into the misty forest, the shadows stirred in the distance.

Far above, hidden on a cliff, a pair of golden eyes watched them carefully.

Hunter smirked.

"So… you survived after all, Li Feng. Good. This will be fun."