I don't like to be watched

The air had grown tense. Eyes were fixed on Hao Lin, the guards, and a fainted Xin Tan. Even little Saha lay unconscious, cradled by the city's Sub-Lord.

The Sub-Lord's face was pale, wide-eyed with shock. She stared at the monstrous blade conjured by Hao Lin.

(Who is this creature?! What hell is this!? That aura… it could rival that of the Lady herself!) she thought.

At that moment, Van placed a steady hand on Hao Lin's sword, ordered it sheathed.

"You're making too much noise, Hao," he scolded.

Hao Lin froze, anger etched on his face, then sighed:

"I'm sorry, my Lord… but those rabble defiled the honor of the Supreme Court."

The Sub-Lord recoiled, realizing who these strangers were.

(The Supreme Court?!) she thought. (They must be high-ranking members—perhaps even one of the Seven Judges. That masked man… he commands that blade. He must be a Court Executor.)

She bowed slightly and said, "Apologies for my subordinate's rudeness. He did not recognize the status of respectable people such as yourselves. I am Tuong, Lord of Lotus Love City and Sub-Lord of the Tower of Love."

Hao Lin stood firm again, once more calm, as Van addressed Tuong:

"No need for extra courtesy. We are not important at all. But we will not tolerate insults—please pardon her for the offense."

Tuong glanced at Van's expression behind the mask, sensing his true intent, and replied:

"I did not mean severe punishment—only discipline. We will comply with your request and apologize for the lapse."

Van nodded, then strode into the city with Hao Lin. As they passed, guards groggily revived. Tuong watched them go, disdain in her voice:

"A worthless pair… You there, Shadow One?"

The hidden figure in black robes appeared at once. "Yes, Sub-Lord," he replied.

"Keep a close eye on them. Report every move they make," she commanded.

"As you wish, Sub-Lord," he answered.

Tuong turned and continued down the street accompanied by her guards, who carried Xin Tan still limp.

(I must inform the Lady of this suspicious Court behavior.)

Van and Hao Lin had taken shelter in an inn. They ordered a hearty meal, and only a single cup for Van—Hao Lin devoured plate after plate while Van merely stared at his tea.

Hao Lin, mouth full, asked curiously: "Why do you stare at tea without drinking it, my Lord?"

Van looked up and calmly responded, "Because I hate tea."

Chewing, Hao Lin asked: "Then why have it in front of you?"

"I like preparing it," Van replied.

A silence fell. Then Hao Lin shrugged and resumed eating.

Suddenly, a small, hunched, gray-robed old man with a cloth covering his eyes appeared, setting three cups before them:

"How about a little challenge, boys?"

Van and Hao Lin paused, Hao Lin resuming his meal. Van asked:

"What's your game?"

The old man placed a stone under one cup, shuffled them, then said:

"Where's the stone, young man?"

Van, confident, replied:

"In the middle, old man."

The old man chuckled. "Unfortunately, you're wrong."

He lifted the cup from the left—and a dark but subtle aura pulsed from him. It wasn't overpowering, but it was terrifying.

Van thought: (This old man… impossible! Deceiving me?! Who on earth is he? Should I kill him now?)

A small black orb hovered in the palm – then disappeared.

Van's tone remained calm:

"You're adept at your trick, old man. We'll leave. I've had enough food."

Hao Lin finished quickly, and they departed. Just as Van was leaving, he glanced back to see the old man smiling and nodding.

Hao Lin, curious, asked Van as they walked:

"Who was that blind old man, my Lord Supreme?"

Van halted, replied quietly, puzzled: "I don't know…but he's not just one person—probably many merged into one."

Hao Lin looked at him, confused, then changed the subject:

"Seems night is falling. Should we head to our inn?"

Van agreed, and they went to "Three Heads Inn" — the finest lodging in the city. They took a room with two beds and a broad window under a full silver moon.

That night, while Hao Lin slept deeply, Van sat on the windowsill, gazing at the moon.

Outside, Hidden Shadow watched from a nearby tree, ready to apply his deep surveillance technique.

Moments later, Hidden Shadow noticed Van was gone. He looked left, right—Van had vanished. Suddenly, Van tapped him on the shoulder.

Hidden Shadow jumped back, drawing twin swords concealed beneath his robe.

(Where did he come from?! I've been watching him—I should've sensed him! He moved behind me so silently!) he thought.

The shadow spat as he spoke:

"I didn't intend harm—I was merely ensuring you cause no trouble."

Van was silent a heartbeat, then said:

"I know. But I don't like being watched."

"But what about… a light punishment?"

Blood suddenly burst from Hidden Shadow's nose. He collapsed, coughing blood until it pooled beneath him—a small crimson lake.

(What's happening to me?! What is this blood?! What did that bastard do?) he thought.

As his eyes closed, he saw Van standing, expressionless. He blacked out—and found himself in darkness surrounded by creatures with white eyes and jaws, in the midst of being torn apart.

Then he shifted to a white void, with the Sub-Lord before him—then the creatures returned and sliced her. He screamed:

"Sub-Lord!! Stop, damn you! Leave my sister alone!"

The nightmare looped repeatedly between black and white.

Suddenly, he woke in his bed. Tuong, fast asleep lay beside him—his mind struggled to make sense.

(What happened to me…?) he thought.

End of Chapter Five