The moon hung low in the sky, casting long shadows over the bustling marketplace of the Fenghua Realm. The magical beast trading centre, with its cages and pens filled with creatures both exotic and fearsome, was alive with the sounds of trading and the restless growls of the beasts within. Amidst the clamour, three figures moved with purpose, their steps nearly silent as they blended into the shifting shadows.

Ye Zhuang led the way, her sharp eyes scanning the crowd. She was dressed in dark, flowing robes that seemed to absorb the light, her presence nearly undetectable to the untrained eye. Behind her, Wei Jun and Lin Mei followed, their expressions mirroring the determination etched on Zhuang’s face. They were here for one purpose: to find and punish the traitor who had dared to steal from them.

As they rushed through the maze of stalls and enclosures, the scent of magical beasts mingled with the smoky air. The trading centre was a place of chaos and opportunity, where danger lurked in every corner and deals were made in hushed voices.

Ye Zhuang’s attention was momentarily captured by a group of merchants haggling over a caged Qilin, its fiery mane flickering with an ethereal glow. But her focus snapped back to the task at hand as she spotted their target—Zhao Wen, a former associate who had betrayed their trust and fled with a valuable artefact.

“There he is,” Wei Jun murmured, nodding towards a hunched figure slipping between the stalls.

Zhuang narrowed her eyes, her fingers twitching as she prepared to strike. But just as she was about to give the signal, something caught her eye—something entirely out of place in this den of greed and ambition.

A woman stood near a large pen, her attention entirely focused on the creatures inside. Her robes were of a deep crimson, contrasting sharply with the dark surroundings. Her long, dark hair cascaded down her back, and her expression was one of pure serenity. In her hands, she held a small pouch, from which she carefully fed the magical beasts, her movements gentle and unhurried.

Zhuang watched, intrigued. The woman’s presence radiated a calm that seemed at odds with the fierce creatures she tended. The beasts, usually hostile and wary of strangers, responded to her touch with a surprising obedience, their eyes reflecting a trust that was rarely given.

“Who is she?” Lin Mei whispered, her gaze also drawn to the woman.

“Does it matter?” Wei Jun replied, his tone dismissive. “We have a mission.”

But Zhuang couldn’t tear her eyes away. There was something unsettling about the contrast between the woman’s peaceful demeanour and the chaotic environment around her. This was not a place for innocence or kindness, yet here she was, seemingly untouched by the darkness that surrounded them.

“We’ll deal with Zhao Wen first,” Zhuang finally said, her voice cold. “But keep an eye on her. I want to know who she is.”

As they continued their pursuit, she cast one last glance at the woman.

They caught up with Zhao Wen in an isolated part of the market, cornering him in a narrow alleyway. His face was covered with fear as he realised he had nowhere left to run.

“You made a grave mistake,” she said, her voice low and dangerous. Shadows seemed to gather around her, the night itself responding to her anger.

Zhao Wen stumbled back, his hand reaching for a hidden blade, but he was too slow. Lin Mei was on him in an instant, disarming him with a swift motion.

“Please... I didn’t mean to—” he began, but Zhuang cut him off with a sharp slap.

“You’ll pay for your betrayal,” she hissed, her eyes glinting with a dangerous light.

As she prepared to deliver the final blow, a sudden noise from the marketplace caught her attention. She turned just in time to see the same woman from before, now walking past the alleyway, her expression still calm despite the growing tension in the air.

Zhuang’s eyes narrowed. Something about this woman didn’t sit right with her. There was an unsettling mystery in her—calmness masking something far more dangerous.

“I’ll deal with you later,” she muttered to Zhao Wen, who slumped in relief. She motioned to Wei Jun and Lin Mei to stay behind, then stepped out of the shadows and into the marketplace, her gaze fixed on the mysterious woman.

As she approached, the woman looked up, meeting Zhuang’s eyes. The calm in her expression remained unchanged, but now there was a glint of something else—something sharp and knowing.

“Feeding animals?” she asked, her voice laced with sarcasm.

The woman smiled faintly. “Even in the darkest places, one can find moments of peace.”

Zhuang tilted her head, studying her. “What’s your name?”

“Liang Xiuying,” the woman replied, her tone as soft as her smile. “And you are?”

“Someone you don’t want to cross,” she responded coolly.

Xiuying’s smile widened, and for a brief moment, Zhuang thought she saw a flicker of something dangerous in her eyes. But just as quickly, it was gone, replaced by that same serene calm.

“Perhaps our paths will cross again,” Xiuying said, her voice almost a whisper as she turned to leave.

Zhuang watched her go, a sense of unease settling in her chest. There was more to this woman than met the eye. Much more.