As the military wrapped up their operation, the alley slowly began to clear. The officers, under Lieutenant Lin's command, meticulously gathered the remains of the beasts and any evidence left behind. Within minutes, the alley was returned to its grim normalcy, as if nothing had happened.
Lieutenant Lin was the last to leave, giving Chu Yan a final advice before turning on her heel and leading her team away. The alley grew silent again, save for the distant sounds of the city at night.
Chu Yan stood alone in the now-deserted alley, his mind racing. The events of the evening played over in his thoughts—the ominous presence of the two shadowy figures, and the looming threat of the Obsidian Veil Cult. He sheathed his sword with a slow, deliberate motion, his grip tightening around the hilt as he pondered the world he was stepping deeper into.
"This world is far more dangerous than I thought," Chu Yan murmured to himself, his eyes narrowing as he gazed at the spot where the wolves had emerged. The power wielded by these cultists was beyond anything he had encountered before, and their methods were ruthlessly effective.
From what the military had described, it seemed that even experts at the Martial Master realm were considered relatively ordinary in this world. Chu Yan knew he was strong, but tonight had exposed him to a new reality. He realized that there were forces lurking in the shadows—forces so powerful that they weren't even afraid of the Federation authorities.
Chu Yan decided to head to the Federal Alliance branch. He needed information, not only about the Obsidian Veil Cult but also about all big forces that need to take note off. The Federation Alliance was the governing body that oversaw the safety and stability of each countries around the world, and if anyone had the answers he sought, it would be them.
At the same time, across the city in the luxurious Mu Villa, a young man stood in the center of an expansive training room, his body glowing faintly from the heat of his exertion.
The young man standing before them was Mu Hai, widely recognized as the most promising genius in White River City and the top student at No. 1 High School. His shirt clung to his chiseled frame, drenched in sweat as he caught his breath. The air around him seemed to simmer, radiating an intense heat that could easily scorch anyone who came too close.
The training room were filled with countless slashed mark, as there countless broken metal lying on the floor. As Mu Hai wiped the sweat from his brow, a soft knock came from the door. He turned to see his butler, an elderly man with a dignified demeanor, entering the room. The butler carried a towel and a glass of water, which he offered to Mu Hai with a respectful bow.
"Thank you," Mu Hai said, taking the towel and wiping the sweat from his face. He accepted the glass of water and drank deeply, his eyes remaining sharp and focused.
The butler waited for a moment before speaking, choosing his words carefully. "Young Master Mu, there is something I believe you should be interest with."
Noticing the expression on his butler's face, Mu Hai raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "Oh? What is it?" he asked.
"There has been talk in the city," the butler began, "about a rising genius from No. 2 High School. His name is Chu Yan."
Mu Hai raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Chu Yan? I feel like I've heard that name before... but regardless, I didn't think he was worth paying much attention to."
The butler nodded. "Until recently, that might have been true. However, it seems his strength has increased rapidly. Reports indicate that he recently won the martial arts examination at No. 2 High School, and his abilities are now considered superior to those of Ouyang Feng, who is comparable to one of the top students at No. 1 High School."
Mu Hai's expression darkened slightly, a flicker of competitiveness igniting in his eyes. "Interesting. So, this Chu Yan is making a name for himself."
"Indeed, Young Master," the butler continued. "It is said that his proficiency in martial arts is extraordinary, and his cultivation level has reached the Fourth Layer of the Martial Artist realm. Some are even beginning to compare him to you."
Mu Hai let out a soft chuckle, though there was a hint of steel in his voice. "Comparing him to me, are they?"
Then, Mu Hai's aura exploded outward, filling the room with an oppressive energy. The sheer force of it caused the walls to shudder, and the temperature in the room seemed to rise as if reflecting Mu Hai's sudden shift in mood.
"Let them talk. It makes no difference."
The butler, though used to such displays, still felt the pressure of Mu Hai's aura. He bowed his head lower. "Of course, Young Master. But I thought you should be aware."
Mu Hai's aura gradually subsided, but his expression hardened with cold determination. "Chu Yan... I'll remember that name. If he truly is as talented as they say, I look forward to meeting him. But the people of White River City will soon learn that there is only one true genius here."