The faint glow of moonlight slipped through the forest canopy, casting silver patterns across the shattered ground. Lin Xian stood still, his hand resting loosely by his side, his eyes sharp and alert. The battle with the Crimson Sect had ended just hours ago, yet his heart had not settled. He had slaughtered countless cultivators, absorbed their bloodlines and physiques, and destroyed an entire sect — all to erase his trail and hide his secret.
But now, someone far stronger was standing before him.
A woman, dressed in flowing white robes that shimmered like moonlight itself, stood in the air a few feet away. Her face was calm, yet her very presence carried an overwhelming pressure that made the air tremble. She was beautiful beyond words — her long hair danced with a faint glow, and her eyes seemed to hold the stars themselves. Lin Xian instantly understood one thing.
This was not someone from the lower realms.
The woman looked at him with quiet amusement. "You are the one who killed a Son of Destiny?" Her voice was soft, like a melody, but it carried the weight of command.
Lin Xian's body tensed, though he did not show fear. "And if I am?" he replied, keeping his tone steady. "Does that interest you?"
She smiled faintly, almost playfully. "Interest me? Perhaps. Astonish me? Definitely. To kill a child chosen by fate is not something a mere mortal could do."
Lin Xian stayed silent, his mind racing. Her aura was far beyond anything he had faced before — even stronger than the ancestors of the Crimson Sect. One wrong word, and she could crush him like an ant.
The woman slowly descended to the ground, her feet barely touching the dirt. "Tell me," she continued, "how did a cultivator from this forsaken lower world manage to defeat someone protected by the Heavens?"
Lin Xian smirked slightly. "Maybe fate just changed its mind."
The woman laughed softly — a sound like wind chimes in the night. "Arrogant, but I like that." She walked closer, her steps silent, and stopped just a few feet away from him. "Your eyes tell me you are not ordinary. Tell me your name."
"Lin Xian," he said simply, his expression calm.
She repeated the name slowly, as if testing how it felt on her tongue. "Lin Xian... a name I have not heard before." Her eyes flashed with a mysterious light. "Strange. Your aura carries a trace of something familiar... yet tainted. You carry the bloodline of the Shen family, don't you?"
Lin Xian's heart skipped a beat, but his face remained unchanged. "You must be mistaken," he said evenly.
The woman smiled again — but this time, there was no amusement, only curiosity. "Don't try to lie to me, Lin Xian. I can feel it. The Shen family's blood flows within you, though it is faint and newly awakened. It seems... you've devoured someone who carried it."
Her words were calm, but Lin Xian could feel the pressure growing heavier, pushing down on his chest. He realized she truly knew. Denying it would only make things worse.
He took a slow breath and replied, "You seem to know a lot. So what do you plan to do?"
She tilted her head slightly. "That depends. I could kill you here and now for stealing a noble bloodline... or," she paused, her tone turning softer, "I could offer you something far greater."
Lin Xian raised an eyebrow. "And what would that be?"
"A deal," she said. "You will serve me for one year. In return, I will make sure no one from the Shen family touches you when they arrive tomorrow."
Lin Xian's eyes narrowed. "So the Shen family really is coming?"
She nodded. "Yes. Shen Yuan, the family's great elder, and several saints are already descending. They're searching for their lost bloodline. When they find that Shen Tian and Shen Yue are gone... they'll look for whoever carries their power. That means you."
For the first time, Lin Xian felt a chill crawl up his spine. Shen Yuan — a Great Saint from the Upper Realm. If such a being truly arrived, even his system might not be enough to protect him.
He clenched his fists but kept his tone steady. "And why would you help me?"
The woman's expression softened slightly. "Because you interest me. You've done something impossible. You've stolen destiny from a Son of Heaven. You've defied the natural order. Someone like you doesn't deserve to die in this weak world."
She leaned closer, her voice barely a whisper. "Besides, I hate the Shen family. Helping you hurts them — that's reason enough."
Lin Xian looked into her eyes. There was no lie there, only a quiet, burning hatred. She truly despised the Shen family. But that also meant she was dangerous.
He stayed silent for a moment, thinking deeply. The system inside his mind flickered, displaying new information:
> [New Mission: "Hidden Deal"]
Objective: Survive the arrival of the Shen Family.
Reward: Bloodline Fusion Upgrade (50%)
Warning: The woman in front of you is not an ally. Tread carefully.
Lin Xian smirked inwardly. Even the system was wary of her.
He slowly nodded. "Fine. I'll accept your deal. But remember, I serve no one. I'll cooperate — nothing more."
The woman chuckled softly. "You have spirit. Good. That will make things interesting." She raised her hand, and a faint mark of light appeared between her fingers. "This is a soul contract. Don't worry, it won't harm you unless you betray me."
Lin Xian looked at the glowing mark and hesitated for a moment. He didn't like being bound by anyone, but he knew he had no choice. After a brief pause, he extended his hand. The mark sank into his skin, vanishing instantly.
The pressure in the air faded, and the woman smiled again. "There. Now we are partners."
Lin Xian crossed his arms. "You never told me your name."
The woman's eyes glowed faintly. "Yue Wushuang," she said. "Remember it well."
Yue Wushuang… Lin Xian repeated the name in his mind. It felt ancient and noble, yet full of danger.
She turned around, her long hair flowing like silk in the wind. "The Shen Family will arrive at dawn. I suggest you hide your aura and prepare. When they come, I will handle them — but you must stay silent and act as I say."
Lin Xian nodded, though deep inside, his mind was already forming new plans. If the Shen Family truly descended, then he couldn't rely on anyone — not even this mysterious woman. He would use her, learn from her, and when the time came, surpass her.
As Yue Wushuang disappeared into the night, Lin Xian looked up at the sky. Dark clouds were gathering, and the faint sound of thunder echoed in the distance.
"The Shen Family," he murmured quietly, his eyes filled with determination. "Let's see what fate has planned this time."
The wind howled across the mountains as dawn approached. Far above, beyond the clouds, countless powerful figures began descending through the heavens — their presence shaking the lower realm itself.
The true storm was about to begin.