The clash rang like thunder in the heart of the pagoda.
Long Feng's blade met the assassin's sword in a shower of flame and frost.
Each strike sent ripples through the room — a battle of not just strength, but intent. The assassin didn't fight to win. He fought to eliminate.
Silent. Precise. Final.
---
The Assailant
The man wore no sect robe. His face was hidden beneath a spirit-concealing hood, his body wrapped in shadow-imbued Qi that devoured light.
But Long Feng could feel it — the essence of someone trained in the arts of death. A cultivator who had long abandoned honor and chosen the path of pure assassination.
The assassin twisted midair, blades forming a deadly arc of black flame.
Long Feng dodged — barely — but blood sprayed across the stone floor.
A gash on his shoulder.
Not fatal. But enough.
The assassin smiled beneath his mask.
"You're still adjusting to the Soul Flame," he whispered.
Long Feng wiped the blood and returned a crooked grin.
"Good. I was afraid this would be too easy."
---
Mei Ling Interferes
From the corner of the room, Mei Ling stood frozen, spiritual energy trembling violently.
She could barely keep her balance.
He's hurt.
He's bleeding.
And I can't… do anything.
Her nails dug into her palms.
Long Feng leapt back and launched a blazing palm attack. The assassin deflected it with a ghostly barrier, then vanished in a flicker.
Behind Long Feng—!
"FENG!" Mei Ling screamed.
The blade came down—!
She didn't think.
She moved.
---
The Wound That Broke the Seal
Slash
The sword meant for Long Feng's spine sliced across Mei Ling's back instead.
Blood sprayed. Her body crumpled.
But just before she hit the floor, her entire being lit up in white-blue fire.
Not fire of pain.
Fire of rage.
---
The True Flame Wakes
A soft hum filled the chamber.
Then a pulse.
Then a scream — not of voice, but of soul.
Mei Ling's unconscious body lifted into the air.
> Flame Attribute: Lotus Frost.
Emotion: Unsealed.
Catalyst: Blood of protection, fear of loss, will to stand beside the strong.
Her wounds sealed themselves with icy fire. Her hair lifted, eyes fluttering open, glowing like twin frozen lakes. Her flame robe burned away and reformed — lotus petals of pure frost flame wrapped around her body, forming a translucent armor of white light.
Long Feng's eyes widened.
"You…"
She opened her hand.
A lotus bloomed in her palm — white and blue, its petals frozen in time.
> "Touch him again," she said to the assassin, "and I'll end you where you stand."
---
The Battle Turns
The assassin hesitated — just for a second.
That was all Long Feng needed.
He moved like lightning, his own flame blade igniting.
Together — Mei Ling on the left, Long Feng on the right — they launched a coordinated attack. Flame and frost, soul fire and lotus frost Qi spiraled into a twin vortex.
> Boom—!!!
The assassin was thrown back, crashing into the pagoda wall.
His robes were torn, mask cracked, chest smoking.
He stared at Mei Ling in disbelief. "You weren't on the list…"
Mei Ling raised her chin. "Then update it."
---
☠️ Assassin's Retreat
The assassin spat blood and vanished into a shadow flicker technique. A dark talisman sealed the air behind him as he escaped into the night.
Long Feng didn't follow.
He turned straight to Mei Ling — and caught her as she collapsed.
---
In His Arms
She was barely conscious.
"Did I… help?" she whispered.
Long Feng held her tightly. "You nearly died."
She gave a weak laugh. "But I didn't. That means I'm stronger now, right?"
He said nothing.
Only pulled her closer.
"I told you," she murmured, "I'm going to catch up. I won't be the girl left behind."
And in that moment…
Long Feng's heart didn't burn.
It ached.
He held her tighter.
"I'll wait," he said softly. "So hurry."
---
Elsewhere – Kill Order Failed
In the Grand Flame Council chamber, silence reigned as the crystal mirror cracked.
Bai Wen's lips twitched.
"He survived."
Elder Huang exhaled slowly. "And she awakened."
Another council member whispered, "Two of the Five Flame Maidens… already chosen?"
Huang's eyes narrowed. "Then send another. No longer to kill."
"…Then to what?"
"To test him. Push him. If he survives, then perhaps…" He paused. "Perhaps the heavens made no mistake."