The road to Hu Lin Yan City echoed with mismatched footsteps. Alpha walked silently, like a shadow. Behind him, Princess Liu Yuan watched the path with caution, while Lin Xuan walked steadily, a strange and mysterious calm radiating from her.
Since their first encounter, Lin Xuan had behaved oddly comfortably around Alpha. She showed no fear or wariness. Unlike the other soldiers, she didn't draw her sword at him on the contrary, she stood between him and the princess when he threatened her with a raised voice, as if she knew him from before.
The city loomed in the distance, its black walls veined with glowing orange cracks, as though molten lava flowed beneath them.
Liu Yuan suddenly halted and asked with unease,
"Lin Xuan… haven't you noticed? This city feels… unnatural. The heat increases with every step."
Lin Xuan smiled without looking at her and replied,
"This is the home of fire… and the keeper of my secrets."
