Chapter 93: Bitter Truth: Underestimating The Enemies.
Jun Wu and Xinyue stood quietly by the Moonmirror River, enjoying the gentle evening breeze as the faint fragrance of blooming lotuses drifted across the surface of the shimmering water.
Around them, the riverbank was filled with activity. Lovers strolled hand in hand, whispering sweet words to one another.
Families gathered under the lantern-lit trees, while elderly men sat cross-legged on low stools, playing card games and Go with serious expressions on their wrinkled faces.
The atmosphere was peaceful, almost dreamlike, where the worries of the world seemed to dissolve.
"I never expected such a beautiful place to exist within the city," Jun Wu said, his eyes lingering on the bright, rippling surface of the river, which reflected the moon.
Xinyue tilted her head slightly, a faint, contented smile gracing her lips. "Mystic City has many beautiful places. This is only one of them."
To her, this was one of the most treasured moments of her life.
For years she had only admired the Moonmirror River from afar, convinced she would never have the chance to walk along its banks.
Yet here she was, not merely visiting, but sharing the experience with someone who meant far more to her than she dared to admit.
Her heart beat faster as her gaze drifted to Jun Wu’s calm side profile.
’Does he... does he feel the same way about me?’ she thought, panic fluttering in her chest.
Her train of thought was broken when a warm hand closed gently around hers.
Startled, she raised her head, only to meet Jun Wu’s steady gaze.
He smiled faintly, and in a soft whisper said, "Don’t overthink. Just enjoy the moment."
Her cheeks flushed pink, and she quickly lowered her eyes.
"Mm..." she nodded shyly, her heart still racing. ’He’s right. I don’t need to complicate things. Whatever happens, I’ll wait and see how it unfolds.’
She took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. A bright, unguarded smile crept across her face.
For this moment, she was content. She wanted nothing else except for this serenity to never end.
After some time, they began their walk back toward the mansion, still holding hands.
Feeling the stares of passersby, Xinyue grew nervous.
Instinctively, she tried to withdraw her hand, but Jun Wu’s grip tightened firmly, silently reassuring her.
She glanced at him from the corner of her eyes, only to find him gazing straight ahead with an indifferent expression, as though the stares of others meant nothing.
A surge of sweet happiness bloomed within her chest. Filled with new confidence, she held her head higher, no longer wishing to let go.
But behind them, hidden in the milling crowd, a shadowy figure followed closely.
"When they reach the meeting point, take action immediately," the man whispered to his subordinates.
The others nodded and quickly dispersed into the sea of pedestrians.
They had been lying in wait for days, seeking the perfect chance to kidnap Xinyue.
Who would have thought that she and Jun Wu would casually stroll out into the city, seemingly unguarded?
What they failed to realize, however, was that Jun Wu’s sharp gaze had already pierced their disguise.
Earlier, when buying a jade pendant for Xinyue at a street stall, he had noticed the faint hostility hidden in their eyes.
At first, he dismissed it as a coincidence, but as he continued to sense their presence trailing behind, he grew certain they were being targeted.
Feigning ignorance, Jun Wu played along, allowing Xinyue to drag him through shops and restaurants, smiling at her introductions of Mystic City’s landmarks.
She laughed happily, unaware of the silent threat stalking them from the shadows.
When they reached the juncture that should have led back to the mansion, Jun Wu suddenly shook his head and continued down another street.
Xinyue blinked in confusion, her brows furrowing. She wanted to ask him why but decided against it, trusting him silently.
Behind them, the assassins cursed in frustration.
"They changed direction?!" the leader spat angrily. "Damn it! Change of plan, prepare another ambush. I don’t believe they can escape us today!"
What they did not know was that their every move was being observed.
Another hidden faction had also been trailing Jun Wu and Xinyue, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike.
The hunters had become the hunted, yet they remained oblivious.
Jun Wu, however, had already realized. His eyes narrowed. ’So it’s not just one group after us. Two... maybe even more. I’ve underestimated the danger.’
As they passed by a silk shop, Jun Wu noticed an ordinary-looking man watching them.
The man’s lips curled into a faint smile that was not a smile, the kind that carried hidden malice.
"Young Master, our shop sells the finest silk. Please, come take a look," the man said with a false tone of innocence.
Jun Wu ignored him completely, pulling Xinyue closer and continuing on.
Behind them, the man’s polite smile twisted into a sinister grin. He melted into the flow of pedestrians and followed without hesitation.
That night, it seemed every shadow in Mystic City concealed hidden blades.
Countless eyes had been dispatched with one goal in mind: to capture Jun Wu and the girl by his side, no matter the cost.
It was a rare opportunity. For once, Jun Wu had left his mansion without his retainers. Such a chance might never come again.
In the distance, Jun Wu finally spotted the towering facade of the Alchemist Association Hall. Relief flickered across his features for the first time that evening.
Watching him, Xinyue grew even more anxious. She could sense his tension, though she didn’t understand the reason.
Her brows knitted, and she bit her lip, wanting to ask him what was wrong.
But seeing the gravity in his expression, she swallowed the question. She didn’t want to disturb him now.
With quickened strides, they closed the distance toward the Association Hall, its lanterns glowing like beacons in the night.
Behind them, the assassins realized their intention and broke into a frantic chase, abandoning all pretense of subtlety.
The sound of boots pounding against the cold hard ground echoed through the streets.
Suddenly...the pair vanished.
"What?!" one assassin cried out, confusion etched across his face. "Where did they go?"
"They were right in front of us a moment ago!" another shouted, scanning the crowd wildly.
The entire group faltered, stunned.
One heartbeat ago, Jun Wu and Xinyue were there, walking steadily.
The next, they had simply disappeared without a trace, as though swallowed by the night itself.
While the assassins scrambled in panic, Jun Wu and Xinyue were already stepping into the safety of the Alchemist Association’s grand hall.
Jun Wu glanced back at the entrance, his expression dark.
A heavy sigh slipped past his lips. He finally admitted to himself the truth he had ignored all evening.
He had made a costly mistake.
He had underestimated his enemies.