Lin Yuan's calm expression didn't waver as the three masked figures surrounded him. The narrow alley was a patchwork of darkness and moonlight, shadows twisting like silent watchers. Yet Lin Yuan's senses were sharper than ever, the faint hum of Heavenly Thunder crackling beneath his skin—a silent promise of power.
"Hand over the Fragment of Demon Essence," the tallest of the three demanded, his voice sharp as a blade.
Lin Yuan's lips curled slightly beneath his hood. "So eager. Did you think following me would be so easy?"
The man's patience snapped. "Don't waste our time! Get him!"
They lunged, swift and ruthless. Twin daggers gleamed with a venomous sheen in the hands of one, while the other conjured a swirling mist of poisonous green. The third's hands glowed with a sickly, eerie light—a poison art meant to corrode flesh.
Lin Yuan's hand rose, a faint spark dancing at his fingertips. The spark grew, twisting into a crackling arc of azure lightning.
"Lightning Surge."
A thunderous bolt exploded from his palm, blinding in its intensity. One attacker screamed as the lightning pierced his chest, hurling him against the alley wall, smoke curling from his seared robes.
The remaining two hesitated, their confidence wavering. But greed is a poison stronger than fear. One tried to flank him, while the other swept his mist forward, a venomous cloud seeping toward Lin Yuan.
Lin Yuan's figure blurred, his speed a phantom's whisper. The mist twisted through empty air. Reappearing beside the poison art user, his fist crackled with lightning, crashing into the man's chest. A thunderclap echoed as the man's body seized, spasming before collapsing.
The last attacker froze, panic gripping him. He turned to flee, but a bolt of blue lightning lanced out, striking his leg. He screamed, crashing to the ground.
Lin Yuan approached, his expression unreadable. "Who sent you?"
"P-please… spare me…" the man whimpered, clutching his scorched leg.
"Answer me, and I will consider it."
"The Black Serpent Gang! They… they knew you had the Fragment. They wanted it!" The man's voice was desperate.
"How many of you were sent?"
"Just… just us three. No one else, I swear!"
Lin Yuan's gaze didn't waver. A faint arc of lightning danced between his fingers, a reminder of his power. But he wasn't one to kill without reason. With a sigh, he stepped back. "Leave. Don't let me see you again."
The man scrambled up, limping away as fast as his scorched leg would allow. The alley fell silent, save for the faint crackle of lingering static.
Lin Yuan stood there, letting the quiet settle around him. The faint smell of ozone mixed with scorched cloth. His heartbeat remained calm, but his thoughts were sharp. The Black Serpent Gang—an organization that thrived in the shadows of the city. And now, they were aware of him.
But fear was a distant emotion. His power had grown, and the thunder within him felt like a silent storm, waiting to be unleashed. Yet he wouldn't be reckless. He had already exposed a fraction of his abilities, and that alone was enough to draw attention.
Turning, he melted into the night, his cloak drawing the darkness around him. Brightcloud City was a place of opportunity, but also of hidden fangs. Lin Yuan knew he had to be cautious.
Back at his inn, he sat cross-legged, the Fragment of Demon Essence resting in his palm. The dark crystal pulsed with a faint, sinister glow, a reminder of the demonic cultivator's twisted power. Yet Lin Yuan didn't fear it. Instead, his orb stirred faintly within his dantian, absorbing the dark energy, purifying it.
A faint notification rang in his mind:
[Fragment of Demon Essence absorbed. Purified energy integrated.] [Lightning affinity enhanced.]
Since demonic energy is inherently chaotic and destructive, the orb purified this dark energy into something beneficial, choosing to strengthen his lightning affinity—a force that naturally counters darkness and evil.
Lin Yuan's lips curved slightly. Each battle, each encounter, was another opportunity.
But he wouldn't stay here forever. The city's undercurrents were growing dangerous, and he had no interest in becoming a hunted prey. For now, he would rest, prepare, and plan his next move.
Those who hunted in the shadows were not always the strongest—sometimes, they were simply the most patient.
And Lin Yuan was a hunter now.