The First to Strike

Chapter 38: The First to Strike

The mist was thick over the city, curling like silent ghosts between rooftops.

Ye Xian moved through it without hesitation, her path clear.

She had made her decision.

She would find Zhao Fengyun before Lan Yue did.

Not to save him.

Not to stop her.

But because she needed to know who was truly playing who.

The Hunter and the Hunted

Zhao Fengyun wasn't the kind of man who hid.

But he was the kind of man who made it seem like he had disappeared—just long enough to make his enemies nervous.

That was what he was doing now.

Disappearing.

Waiting.

But for what?

Ye Xian intended to find out.

A Trail in the Shadows

She followed the only lead she had—the letter he had left behind at Madam Ji's brothel.

'The past always comes back, doesn't it?'

There was only one place in this city where the past still had weight.

The old Lotus Temple—abandoned for years, but never forgotten.

A place where only those who knew Jianghu's darkest secrets dared to step.

If Zhao Fengyun was waiting for anyone, it would be there.

And if Lan Yue had figured that out too—

Then she was already on her way.

A Meeting That Wasn't Coincidence

The Lotus Temple was nearly collapsed from years of neglect.

The once-white stone was now gray with moss, the red banners faded with time.

Ye Xian slipped inside through the broken doorway, her steps silent against the cracked floor.

And there—leaning against the temple altar, waiting—was Zhao Fengyun.

He looked completely at ease, as if he had expected her.

Which meant—he had.

"You're late," he murmured.

Ye Xian didn't blink. "You left a trail on purpose."

Zhao Fengyun chuckled. "And yet, you followed it anyway."

A pause.

Then—he tilted his head slightly.

"Why are you here, Ye Xian?"

A Conversation Before Bloodshed

Ye Xian didn't answer immediately.

Instead, she studied him carefully.

Zhao Fengyun looked relaxed. But his fingers twitched slightly at his sleeve—a tell.

He wasn't calm.

He was waiting for something.

Or someone.

"She's coming for you," Ye Xian said finally.

Zhao Fengyun exhaled lightly. "I know."

A pause.

Then—he met her gaze.

"But the real question is—are you here to stop her?"

The Sound of Approaching Footsteps

Before she could respond—the wind shifted.

Ye Xian turned sharply, her senses alert.

They weren't alone anymore.

Footsteps.

Not hurried.

Not hesitant.

Deliberate.

Lan Yue stepped through the temple entrance, her expression unreadable.

But Ye Xian could see it in her eyes.

This wasn't hesitation anymore.

This was a decision.

And now—there was no turning back.

A Duel of Fates

Lan Yue's hand hovered near the dagger at her waist.

Zhao Fengyun remained motionless, watching her with a smirk.

Ye Xian exhaled slowly.

"You don't have to do this, Lan Yue."

Lan Yue didn't look at her.

Her gaze was locked onto Zhao Fengyun.

"He killed my sister," she murmured.

Zhao Fengyun sighed. "And yet, you still don't have proof."

A pause.

Then—Lan Yue's fingers curled around her dagger.

"I don't need proof," she whispered. "I just need you dead."

And then—she moved.

A Fight That Shouldn't Be

Ye Xian acted on instinct.

Lan Yue's blade flashed toward Zhao Fengyun's throat—but Ye Xian was faster.

She blocked the strike, deflecting the dagger at the last second.

Lan Yue stumbled back, her eyes flashing with fury.

"You're protecting him?" she hissed.

Ye Xian exhaled sharply. "I'm stopping you from making a mistake."

A pause.

Then—Lan Yue's expression turned colder.

"No."

"You're making one."

And this time—she didn't hesitate.

The Edge of Betrayal

The dagger came faster.

More precise.

Ye Xian barely had time to counter.

Steel met steel, the clash echoing through the ruined temple.

Lan Yue wasn't as skilled as Ye Xian.

But she was desperate.

And desperation made people unpredictable.

Zhao Fengyun stepped back, watching them with mild amusement.

"This is fascinating," he murmured. "Truly, a show."

Ye Xian ignored him.

She twisted sharply, breaking Lan Yue's stance.

With one swift movement—she knocked the dagger from her hand.

A silence stretched.

Then—Ye Xian exhaled softly.

"It's over, Lan Yue."

But Lan Yue—she just laughed.

"Over?" she whispered. "No, Ye Xian."

"You just don't see it yet."

A pause.

Then—she smiled faintly.

"You're not the only one who came here prepared."

And before Ye Xian could react—

A dozen figures emerged from the shadows.

A Deadly Ambush

The temple filled with movement as armed assassins stepped into the dim light.

Ye Xian cursed inwardly.

She had been so focused on stopping Lan Yue that she had missed the real threat.

Lan Yue hadn't come here alone.

She had brought an army.

Zhao Fengyun exhaled. "Ah. Well. That's unfortunate."

Ye Xian glanced at him sharply. "You expected this?"

Zhao Fengyun smiled faintly. "I hoped for something more exciting. But this will do."

A silence stretched.

Then—the first assassin attacked.

And just like that—

The fight truly began.

End of Chapter 38