As soon as Hong Yin appeared, he paid no attention to anyone else present. Instead, his gaze fell darkly upon the Thunderwolf lunging towards him.
A flash of sorrow passed through his eyes. His right hand lifted with deceptive lightness, fingertips coming to rest gently upon the wolf's massive head. The leaping beast, caught as if by an invisible, yielding force, froze mid-air!
Hong Yin's right arm slowly lowered. The Thunderwolf's body seemed to be gently 'placed' onto the ground under his control. He stared at the creature before him. Though restrained, it continued its low, guttural snarls, its body straining against the unseen bonds, desperate to attack. The sorrow in Hong Yin's eyes deepened.
An eerie quiet descended upon the tavern's second floor, broken only by the Thunderwolf's persistent, menacing growls.
The black-clad youth, witnessing this impossible scene, snapped out of his daze. Disbelief warped his features. He stumbled back instinctively, pointing a shaking finger at Hong Yin. "You... who are you?!"
His outburst seemed to snap Hong Yin's focus away from the wolf. The man, who had been looking down, suddenly lifted his head. His eyes, sharp as daggers, locked onto the youth. In the youth's terrified gaze, a terrifying illusion manifested—a colossal, blood-red wolf seemed to materialize behind Hong Yin, radiating a wave of savage, suffocating aura.
"Are you from the Beast Taming Sect?" Hong Yin's voice cut through the air, icy cold.
The sound shattered the young man's paralysis; the horrific vision vanished. An overwhelming wave of relief washed over him, the feeling of having narrowly escaped death. He staggered back several more steps, words tumbling out in a panicked rush. "I... I am Li Loong, son of Elder Li of the Beast Taming Sect! Our sect is one of the Ten Great Sects of the Realm! My master-uncle is nearby! Y-you... don't hurt me! Or the Beast Taming Sect will hunt you down!"
His terror was palpable. Gone was the earlier arrogance. In his desperation, he blurted out his identity, invoking the formidable reputation of his sect, hoping to intimidate his opponent.
Hong Yin's pupils contracted slightly at the declaration. A flicker of murderous intent ignited. He took a single step forward—and was suddenly standing right in front of Li Loong.
A single step. Bai Yunfei saw it clearly. Hong Yin lifted his foot, brought it down—and traversed the several meters separating them in an instant. He stood before the trembling youth.
Bai Yunfei felt a chill. He glanced at the Thunderwolf, still immobilized in the center of the room, its struggles futile. His expression turned grave. He subtly shifted further back. The sudden appearance of this immensely powerful stranger was alarming, but thankfully, his target seemed solely to be Li Loong. For now, watching cautiously was the wisest course.
Hong Yin's right hand shot out, seizing Li Loong's left wrist. A flash of ruthless light sparked in his eyes. A sharp, sickening CRACK echoed—Hong Yin had crushed the bones in the youth's forearm with terrifying ease.
"AAAAAAGH!!!"
A blood-curdling scream tore from Li Loong's throat. He instinctively tried to shove Hong Yin away with his right hand, but his entire body remained rigid, paralyzed beyond his control. The agony radiating from his ruined arm was excruciating, threatening to plunge him into oblivion.
Hong Yin sneered. His left hand flicked towards Li Loong's fingers. The black ring adorning the youth's left middle finger slipped off effortlessly into Hong Yin's grasp.
With a contemptuous flick of his wrist, Hong Yin sent Li Loong sprawling several meters away. The youth crashed to the floor, his body finally released from its paralysis. He curled around his shattered arm, howling in continuous agony.
Hong Yin didn't spare him a glance. He slid the ring onto his own left hand and walked calmly towards the immobilized Thunderwolf. Sorrow returned to his eyes as he gently stroked the coarse fur on the beast's back. Then, as abruptly as it had appeared, the colossal wolf vanished, pulled back into the ring's mysterious space.
Turning, his gaze like frozen steel, Hong Yin fixed it on Li Loong, who was struggling to rise. His voice, when he spoke, was dangerously soft. "Get out. Go tell your so-called master-uncle... I will be waiting for him in this Jade Willow City."
Li Loong, battling the excruciating pain radiating up his arm, stared dumbfounded at the ring now on Hong Yin's finger. "You..." he managed to choke out.
"GET OUT!"
Meeting the terrifying intensity in Hong Yin's eyes—eyes that seemed to be barely restraining a killing fury—Li Loong shuddered violently. Any lingering defiance evaporated. Without another word, he scrambled to his feet and stumbled frantically down the stairs, vanishing from sight.
Bai Yunfei watched Hong Yin, who now seemed lost in thought, staring at the ring on his finger. Bai Yunfei's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. He began slowly edging backward. Behind his back, he waved his left hand subtly towards Liu Meng and Xiao Ning, signaling them to prepare to leave.
He had only retreated two or three steps when Hong Yin, breaking from his contemplation, turned towards him. Surprisingly, a friendly smile spread across the man's face. He gave Bai Yunfei a slight, reassuring nod. "Young friend, there's no need for such caution. I mean you no harm..."
Bai Yunfei stiffened. His grip tightened on the Fire-tipped Spear. He shifted into a guarded stance, scrutinizing Hong Yin for several tense seconds before replying, his voice low and measured. "Forgive me, esteemed sir. I assumed your business was with that Li Loong. Since he has departed, my companions and I are merely travelers. We had a minor conflict with him earlier... and we are grateful for your intervention. We have other matters to attend to now, so we shall take our leave."
He deliberately sheathed the Fire-tipped Spear, catching the eyes of the two women before turning to leave.
"Young friend, wait a moment," Hong Yin called out, his tone still calm. "There's something I would like to speak with you about."
Bai Yunfei's steps faltered. He turned back, suspicion etched on his face. "Do you know me?"
"Heh, we are strangers," Hong Yin admitted, his smile remaining. "However, I know of certain matters concerning you. Would you be willing to converse with me briefly?"
Bai Yunfei hesitated. The sheer disparity in their strength was undeniable. That Hong Yin addressed him so politely showed remarkable restraint. Moreover, Bai Yunfei could detect no malice in the man's gaze; he seemed genuinely inclined towards friendship.
After a moment of deliberation, Bai Yunfei gave a slight nod.
Hong Yin smiled, offering no further explanation. He turned and walked towards the stairs. Bai Yunfei and the two women followed. As they passed the terrified innkeeper, Bai Yunfei tossed him a gold coin to cover the damages. The group stepped out into the street.
Hong Yin glanced meaningfully at the two young women trailing behind Bai Yunfei, a slight frown touching his brow. Understanding the unspoken request, Bai Yunfei turned to Liu Meng. "Menger, you and Xiao Ning wait here for me. I'll return shortly."
Liu Meng's expression showed clear concern, but she nodded obediently. "Alright... Yunfei, please be careful. I'll stay right here..."
...
Bai Yunfei followed Hong Yin into a narrow, deserted alley not far from the tavern. Hong Yin surveyed their surroundings briefly before stopping and turning to face the younger man. He gave a measured nod. "May I know your name, young friend?"
"Bai Yunfei."
"A good name. I am Hong Yin." After stating his name, Hong Yin tilted his head slightly towards the small white creature nestled on his shoulder. A warm smile touched his lips. "And this is my companion, Little Tang. Don't mistake him for an ordinary mouse. He's actually a rather formidable Soul Beast."
Bai Yunfei blinked, his gaze shifting to the little creature with evident curiosity, though he knew now wasn't the time for questions. He clasped his fists respectfully. "Honored to meet you. You asked me here... what did you wish to say?"
Hong Yin didn't answer directly. Instead, he tilted his head slightly. "I see you're puzzled. Allow me to explain first. I know you have... connections... with the Destiny's Wheel Sect. That is why I sought your acquaintance."
Bai Yunfei started. "You are from Destiny's Wheel?"
"No, I have no affiliation with them," Hong Yin clarified. "However... I did have a conversation with Qin Zheng, an elder of their sect, just the other day. Ah, the elderly gentleman who sought you out that night."
Bai Yunfei fell silent, his mind clearly working through the implications. Hong Yin waited patiently, allowing him time. After a long pause, Bai Yunfei raised his head again. Much of the wariness had receded from his expression. "What is it you wish to tell me... Brother Hong Yin?"
Hong Yin smiled. His expression grew more serious. "I have become aware of certain things... things I believe you should know. You..."
...
Liu Meng and Xiao Ning stood by a small vendor's stall selling trinkets near the tavern entrance. Xiao Ning browsed the assortment of little items with wide-eyed curiosity, while Liu Meng kept glancing anxiously towards the entrance of the alley where Bai Yunfei and Hong Yin had disappeared.
Suddenly, Liu Meng's face brightened. She spotted Bai Yunfei emerging from the alley and walking towards them. Relief washed over her features. Grabbing Xiao Ning's arm, she hurried to meet him.
"Yunfei! Are you alright?" Liu Meng searched his face, her voice thick with worry. "Who was that man?"
"I'm fine, really. Don't worry..." Bai Yunfei shook his head, brushing off the question about Hong Yin. A different thought seemed to strike him. "Ah, Menger... you mentioned earlier you had something important to tell me. What was it?"
"Huh? Oh..." Liu Meng seemed taken aback by the sudden question. She hesitated, lowering her gaze. A delicate blush slowly crept up her cheeks. After a long pause, she finally spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's... it's... my father... he's coming to Jade Willow City. I... I wanted to ask... if you would meet him..."
"What?!" Bai Yunfei stared at her, convinced he must have misheard. "Meet... your father?"
Liu Meng kept her head down, her long hair slipping forward to obscure her face, hiding her expression. Xiao Ning, standing beside her, couldn't contain herself any longer. "Yunfei Gongzi, it's like this," she interjected helpfully. "Yesterday, some people from the family found Miss Meng. They said the Master already knew she was in Jade Willow City and was very angry she hadn't returned home for so long. He set out personally to come get her. He should arrive this afternoon. Miss Meng... she might be taken home..." Xiao Ning paused, looking meaningfully at Liu Meng before continuing. "So... Miss Meng hoped you could meet him. Yunfei Gongzi, you're so young and already a Soul Warrior! Your future achievements will be great! Perhaps... perhaps when the Master sees you, he... he might agree to let Miss Meng be with you."
"This..." Bai Yunfei's expression shifted through a complex mix of emotions—surprise, confusion, perhaps a flicker of apprehension—clearly overwhelmed by the suddenness of it all.
At that moment, Liu Meng seemed to gather her courage. She lifted her head, her beautiful face earnest as she met Bai Yunfei's gaze directly. "Yunfei," she began, her voice soft but steady. "When my father arrives... he will surely demand I return home... to observe mourning rites for that Zhang Yang..." Her grip on Bai Yunfei's sleeve tightened almost imperceptibly. "Will you... will you come with me to see him? We can tell him... tell him we are together now. I believe... I truly believe he might consent."
Bai Yunfei stared into her eyes, seeing the hope and vulnerability there. Liu Meng held her breath, a flicker of fear crossing her features as the silence stretched—fear that he might refuse.
Then, Bai Yunfei's voice reached her, carrying a slight tremor she'd never heard before. "Alright. Tonight... what time?"
Joy instantly illuminated Liu Meng's face. "I... I don't know exactly when he'll arrive," she admitted, relief making her words rush out. "I need to meet him with Xiao Ning first... Then... I'll speak to him privately... prepare him. Xiao Ning will come find you at the inn once it's settled. Is that... alright?"
Bai Yunfei was silent for another moment, absorbing the plan. Finally, he nodded slowly. "Alright. I'll wait for your message at the inn."
"Yes! I must go now, Yunfei," Liu Meng said, her smile radiant. She reached out, squeezing his hand briefly. "Go back, prepare yourself... I know... I know my father will approve of you..."
As the figures of Liu Meng and Xiao Ning disappeared into the bustling street crowd, Bai Yunfei stood rooted to the spot for a long moment. His expression remained a complex tapestry of emotions—anticipation warring with anxiety, resolve mixed with deep uncertainty. Finally, he turned and walked away, his own figure soon swallowed by the flow of people heading in the opposite direction.